Islamabad: Health Experts on Wednesday appealed the incumbent government to Increase the taxes on sugary drinks and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) instead of increasing levy on petroleum prices.
They were addressing a seminar organized by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) at local hotel in Islamabad.
Speakers said that government increased the tax on sugary drinks instead of petroleum prices and agriculture products.
"This will not only generate revenue of the government but it will also improve public health. Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of diabetes worldwide with 33 million people living with diabetes and the rate in which diabetes is increasing in the Pakistan is very alarming", they added.
Addressing to the session, Secretary General of PANAH, Sana Ullah Ghumman said that beverage and tobacco industry is misguiding policy makers at every step and creating hurdles in the decision making process.
He said that PANAH is engaged at all levels from general public to law and policy makers increasing awareness in general public on health harms of SSBs and sugary drinks.
He added that sugary drinks cause non-communicable diseases and excessive use of SSBs lead to heart attack and diabetes.
Meanwhile, PMLN law maker Dr. Samina Matloob enlightened the participants that non-communicable diseases are increasing an alarming rate in Pakistan. Sugary drinks are major cause of obesity, diabetes and other NCDs, she added
She assured the participants that she will create the draft on imposing the heavy taxes on sugary drinks and SSBs.
“I will raise the voice in the Parliament and we will have to fight against the sugary drinks and SSBs and creating awareness to educate the masses” she maintained.