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There was a normal day in Parliament when I received an invitation to discuss the round table organized by the Pakistan Youth Change Change Advocates under his Transform Pakistan campaign. As a member of the National Assembly, I have always believed in engaging with a diverse approach to better understanding the issues that are affected by my citizens. However, I knew very little that this round table would open my eyes to silent but healthy crisis: the use of industrially developed trans fat (ITFA) and partially hydrogenated oil production and distribution An urgent need for banning legislation (PHOS), the basic raw material used in making ITFAS.
When I listened to the experts, civil society workers and policy makers made millions of Pakistanis eliminate ITFA from our nutritional sources to protect millions of Pakistanis from the growing tide of non -communication diseases (NCD). Looking for the need, I was affected by the gravity of the situation. .
Interestingly, industrial trans fat is a type of non -serious fat that goes through the industrial process to enhance the life of the shelf and artificially enhance the taste of processed foods. Although these features make them favorable to food manufacturers, the health risks they possess are worrying. Trans fat is an important partner in cardiovascular diseases, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The shocking thing is that every year in Pakistan, more than 200,000 deaths are associated with trans fat due to heart disease.
One of the most striking discoveries on round tables, common foods such as cooking oil, benasty ghee, margarine, baked equipment, fried snacks, dairy products and ultra processed foods, the wide presence of ITFA It was. These products are most important in Pakistani households, which are used daily by adults and children. The lack of awareness about their harmful effects and the absence of strict rules or legislative measures have allowed the issue to expedite.
Equally impressed with the conversation and panic, I left the round table with a new purpose. As a lawmaker, we have the responsibility of protecting health. There can be no two opinions that the issue demands immediate and decisive action.
The basis of any effective strategy is an effective law. Three countries around the world, including people with socio -economic indicators such as India, Egypt, Thailand and Bangladesh, of which the international best not to manage industrial trans fats not only less than 2 % of total fat only. The process has been adopted. In all food but many of them have also banned the production and distribution of PHO.
Eliminating trans fat by supplying our food will save countless lives, reduce health care costs and improve overall quality of life for our citizens.
Although Pakistan’s standards and the Quality Control Authority are working to transmit the ITFA to a restriction of less than 2 % of the total fat in all eating, we have to ban legislation on Foss. There should also be serious efforts to eat available to every Pakistani. Industrial trans fat is protected from the dangers of industrial trans fat, regardless of their geography or socio -economic status. With this two -dimensional point of view, the legislature will provide a stable legal framework, while ensuring effective compliance.
This brings me to my second point: empowering the federal and provincial food authorities that strictly enforcing Foss. This includes regular inspection of food production facilities, testing food products for trans fat content and imposing severe fines for violations.
We need to invest in the capacity of regulatory institutions. This includes training personnel, equipped with modern testing technologies and ensuring strong coordination of strengthening the Bank Agency. In addition, a transparent system must also be established for monitoring and reporting trans fat levels in food products, in which the data is made public to keep the manufacturers accountable.
Legislation, combined with public awareness, can advance this important cultural change needed to eliminate trans fat from our diet. Public awareness is an important part of this strategy. Most Pakistanis are unaware of the health risks of fat -related health. Many people do not even know that they are using them.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, led by nationwide awareness campaigns and media outlets, is important in collaboration with civil society and educational institutions. The purpose of this campaign should be to inform citizens of trans fat risks, promote healthy alternatives, and encourage the demand for trans -fat -free products.
As a parliamentarian, we are uniquely positioned to champion this goal. Our Legislative Authority allows us to formulate policies that prefer health and our platform enables us to increase the voice of those who advocate for change. Beyond the legislation, we have to allocate appropriate resources in the federal and provincial budgets to support both enforcement and awareness.
As I write, I am well aware that traveling to Pakistan -free Pakistan will not be without challenges. The food industry can resist change and regulatory bodies may face resources obstacles. However, the benefits are much higher than the cost. Eliminating trans fat by supplying our food will save countless lives, reduce health care costs and improve overall quality of life for our citizens. As a nation, we have shown flexibility and commitment to overcome many challenges. By giving priority to public health and working mutually, we can eliminate trans fat from our diet and pave the way for a healthy, bright future for all Pakistanis.
The author is a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan
