CPDI urges Pakistan to ban partially hydrogenated oils on World Heart Day
Islamabad, September 29, 2026: The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has called on the Government of Pakistan to take immediate and decisive steps to enforce a comprehensive ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), describing them as a major source of industrially produced trans fatty acids linked to cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases in the country.
The appeal was made on World Heart Day 2026, being observed this year under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat.” The campaign focuses on recognising the signs of cardiovascular disease, safeguarding heart health and demanding stronger action to prevent avoidable deaths.
According to the source, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with more than 20 million deaths reported globally every year.
In Pakistan, CPDI said, the continued use of PHOs in processed foods, bakery items, fried products and commercially prepared snacks remains a serious public health concern. Industrially produced trans fats have no known health benefits and are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Their presence in the food supply, it said, weakens efforts to promote healthier food environments and prevent non-communicable diseases.
“On World Heart Day, we must recognize that protecting heart health requires action not only from individuals but also through stronger public health policies,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Director of CPDI. “Eliminating PHOs from our food supply is a practical and preventive measure that can help reduce exposure to harmful industrial trans fats and protect the health of millions of Pakistanis.”
CPDI noted that the burden of cardiovascular disease is especially alarming because many of its risk factors can be prevented or managed through healthier diets, physical activity, tobacco control and proper management of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The World Heart Federation’s 2026 campaign urges people to see the signs, protect their hearts and demand action to improve cardiovascular health.
The World Health Organization has recommended eliminating industrially produced trans fats from the global food supply, calling it an important and cost-effective measure to prevent cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. Several countries have introduced policies to eliminate industrial trans fats, showing that regulatory measures can help protect public health.
On World Heart Day 2026, CPDI urged the federal government to move beyond awareness campaigns and take concrete regulatory action by enforcing a nationwide ban on PHOs. It said protecting citizens from harmful industrial trans fats should be made part of Pakistan’s wider efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease and build healthier food systems.
CPDI reaffirmed its commitment to advocating stronger food policies, healthier nutrition systems and sustained government action to remove industrial trans fats from Pakistan’s food supply and protect the nation’s heart health.
