Civil society organisations, public health experts and advocates in Pakistan have expressed strong concern after reports that the US Counselor in Islamabad lobbied the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology against Pakistan’s evidence based Front of Pack Warning Labels proposal. The meeting has prompted calls for clarity and a formal apology over what campaigners describe as interference in a sovereign public health process.
Non communicable diseases are now the leading cause of death in Pakistan, driven in large part by unhealthy diets and rising consumption of ultra processed food and beverages. Observers note that nearly six out of ten deaths in the country are attributed to NCDs, with roughly 2,400 preventable deaths each day linked to these conditions. Pakistan’s annual expenditure on diabetes alone is estimated at USD 2.6 billion, a figure highlighted by advocates as nearly double the most recent IMF instalment received by the state.
The Ministry of National Health Services recommended adoption of Front of Pack Warning Labels to the Ministry of Science and Technology as a straightforward, evidence based measure to inform consumers when products contain excessive sugar, salt or unhealthy fats. Global studies show that FOPWL can steer consumers toward healthier choices and prompt manufacturers to reformulate products to reduce harmful ingredients.
Groups including the Pakistan National Heart Association and allied civil society partners, together with the Ministry of Health, have campaigned for mandatory FOPWL to protect public health. The National Assembly’s National Health Committee has already instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology to move forward with implementation in the national interest, underlining parliamentary support for the measure.
Reports that diplomatic engagement has been used to advocate commercial interests and seek delays or dilution of the FOPWL proposal have alarmed public health stakeholders. They warn that allowing external or corporate pressure to shape life saving regulations would undermine Pakistan’s policy sovereignty and jeopardise efforts to tackle the NCD emergency. Observers also point to the inconsistency of opposing similar nutrition protections abroad while supporting stronger front of pack labelling domestically.
Civil society is urging the Government of Pakistan, including the Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary, to take prompt notice and to ensure the integrity of the policymaking process. They are calling on the US Counselor in Islamabad to publicly clarify his position and apologise if diplomatic conduct sought to influence Pakistan’s health policy. Advocates say safeguarding FOPWL is essential to reduce the burden of NCDs and protect the health and economic wellbeing of Pakistani families.
