Parliamentarians Unite for Food Governance in Pakistan to Combat Health Crisis

Date: May 2, 2025
Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi, Chief Reporter Islamabad
Posted by: Watts News, the Largest English Digital News Network Pakistan

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A landmark consultative session on “Food Governance and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)” was held today at the Parliament House, Islamabad, signaling a significant step forward in securing Pakistan’s food and health future. Spearheaded by Chairman Senate, Honorable Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, the initiative launched a specialized working group titled “Parliamentarians for Food and Nutrition Governance in Pakistan” to develop legislative strategies and oversight for national food systems.

A Nation in Nutritional Crisis

Opening the session, Ms. Rida Qazi, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, highlighted the urgency of improving food safety and nutrition for the country’s 240 million people. Stressing the alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-being)—she reiterated the Chairman's vision of making food governance a core policy priority.

Stakeholders Call for Bold Reforms

Mr. Zubair Faisal Abbasi, Executive Director of Impact Research International, shed light on the alarming spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan, attributing 60% of national deaths to illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. He also pointed out that 40% of Pakistanis are obese, linking this to poor dietary habits and lifestyle.

Mr. Saad Tanveer of Novo Nordisk added that 34.5 million Pakistanis suffer from diabetes, costing the economy over $2.7 billion annually. FAO’s representative, Ms. Amna Bajwa, called out flawed agricultural practices, stressing that current crop choices worsen the nutrition crisis.

Legislative and Agricultural Interventions Proposed

Mr. Zameer Haider of Nutrition International proposed mandatory wheat flour fortification as a necessary step to address micronutrient deficiencies, while Mr. Bilal Ijaz Gilani from Gallup Pakistan recommended modern survey methods to shape evidence-based policy.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada emphasized the devastating levels of child malnutrition and stunted growth, calling for immediate reforms in the food and health system. Meanwhile, Senator Masroor Ahsan advocated for smart agriculture, data-driven decision-making, and climate-resilient practices to meet food demands effectively.

A Call to Reshape Pakistan’s Food Policy

Participants stressed the need for key interventions including:

• Front-of-pack warning labels
• Taxes on unhealthy food products
• Regulation of advertisements for harmful food items
• Healthier food standards in schools and hospitals
• Conflict-of-interest safeguards in governance

There was also a strong push to shift from a grain and sugar-dominated diet towards nutrient-rich pulses and vegetables.

Conclusion and the Road Ahead

The session concluded with a shared commitment by all attending senators and stakeholders to operationalize the newly formed working group under Chairman Senate’s leadership. This body will act as a permanent platform for continuous dialogue, policy formation, and oversight on food and nutrition governance in Pakistan.

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Parliamentarians launch a nationwide initiative under Chairman Gilani to improve food governance and fight Pakistan's growing health crisis through a new Senate-led working group.

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www.wattsnews.online, Pakistan Food Governance, Non-Communicable Diseases, Chairman Senate Gilani, Nutrition Crisis Pakistan, SDG Goal 2, SDG Goal 3, Food Policy Reform, Healthy Diet Pakistan, Obesity in Pakistan, Child Malnutrition, Senate Consultative Session, Watts News