ISLAMABAD, October 16, 2026: The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has organised an awareness session at the Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST) to educate students about the health risks associated with ultra-processed products (UPPs).

The session also highlighted the role of Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWL) in helping consumers make healthier food choices and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Students, faculty members and youth advocates participated in discussions on the rising burden of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other diet-related health conditions in Pakistan.

PANAH Urges Youth to Support Food Warning Labels

Addressing participants, PANAH Secretary General Sana Ullah Ghumman highlighted the health challenges linked to unhealthy diets and frequent consumption of ultra-processed products.

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He stressed that mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels could help consumers identify packaged foods containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. As a result, consumers, particularly young people, could make more informed dietary decisions.

Ghumman also urged students to become public health ambassadors and support evidence-based policies aimed at improving the food environment.

He emphasised that public awareness alone would not be enough. Instead, awareness campaigns and effective government policies must work together to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

University Students Encouraged to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

PANAH Vice President Ghulam Abbas highlighted the importance of youth participation in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing diet-related diseases.

He said universities provide an effective platform for educating young people about the potential health risks of unhealthy food consumption.

Furthermore, Abbas encouraged students to share health information with their families, peers and communities. He also urged them to support PANAH’s campaign for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels on ultra-processed products.

CUST Representative Welcomes Awareness Initiative

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor X appreciated PANAH’s efforts to promote public health through awareness and policy advocacy.

The representative also acknowledged the value of involving students in preventive health initiatives and expressed support for stronger collaboration between CUST and PANAH.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment to youth-led health awareness and efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases.

PANAH reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its university-based awareness campaign across Pakistan. Through these initiatives, the organisation aims to encourage healthier choices and build a better-informed generation.