A silent threat | Political Economy

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Alk through any hierarchy market in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta or Peshawar, and this scenario is the same: rows of golden samosas in deep pans, shiny packets of shelves and shiny packets of bakery that are fresh lyrics. These foods are made in our culture and everyday life, which brings people together in tables, classrooms and events. But behind their scent and appeal is a silent killer.

For decades, Fus has been a hidden ingredient that gives our breakfast long shelf life and our fried foods familiar with them. However, what most Pakistanis do not realize is that PHO is the only largest source of industrialized trans -fatty acids (ITFAS), a toxic substance that is directly supportive in various types of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 500,000 people are killed every year due to the amount of trans -fat globally. Pakistan is not an exception: In the country, the growing epidemic of non -communication diseases (NCD) is fueled by the things on our plates. The oils that make our daily food cheap and tasty are also cutting short lives and returning to the families of the loved ones at the height of their productivity.

During a briefing of the Pakistan Youth Change Advocates and the Center for Peace and Development Initiative, we were first introduced a few months ago in the food system of Pakistan on the issue of hydrogenated oil. The debate was part of the wider transformation Pakistan campaign, led by the PECA, which is working to highlight the dangers of industrial trans fat and emphasize strong national policies. Like many other people, we also assumed that the oils sold in our markets are widely safe as long as they are labeled and regularly made. Instead, what we learned was deeply about: Despite the global consensus that PHOs are toxic and unsafe at any level of consumption, Pakistan allows them to produce, import and sell them. They are used across the country in shortage of bakery, margarine, packaged snacks and street foods.

This disclosure was not just a matter of personal concern-it was a wake-up call. As the convener of the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), I can immediately see how this only problem touches on many of our most important goals: good health and well -being (SDG3), reducing inequality (SDG10), SDG10).

Foos’s dangers are no longer there for discussion. Unlike naturally found fat, on which the human body can act in moderation, the fat caused by industrial hydrogenation is toxic, even in small quantities. They raise ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, lower ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol, and klag arteries that directly cause heart disease.

Children with trans fat are more likely to have long -term health complications. Adults using them face more risk of premature death. Women are inferior to the higher risk of heart diseases and other diseases. Every doctor, every nutritionist and every global health authority agrees: Eliminating Foss with food supply is the most cost -effective intervention to save the lives of governments.

Despite the global consensus that PHOs are toxic and unsafe at the level of use, Pakistan allows them to produce, import and sell them. These bakeries are used in shortened, margarine, packaged snacks and street foods nationwide.

Several countries like Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Egypt have taken a decisive step by imposing a complete ban on the PHO to protect their population.

The WHO has called for the global elimination of industrial trans -fat trans -fat by 2025. Many countries are on the path to get it. Pakistan has taken a step in this direction by keeping the national limit of ITFA less than 2 % in all fat in all food through Pakistan’s standards and quality control authority. Although this regulatory cap is commendable, it does not go enough. (If this is insufficient, how is it commendable?) As long as partial hydrogenized oil remains legal, they will continue to enter our food system and damage the spirit of the rule.

This is why well -known nutrition and health experts recommend a two -dimensional strategy: keep a severe 2 % limit on ITFA in all food, and impose a complete ban on PHO production, import and sale. By combining these steps, Pakistan can protect public health more effectively by blocking trans fat at both ingredients and products. Without a full restriction, regulatory flaws and contradictory implementation can maintain dangerous trans fat in our food. (It looks like the author or experts lose this point).

Some people may argue that volunteer actions or industry promises can help reduce the PHO. But history has shown that without a bound legislation, progress is complex and slow. Manufacturers will always be encouraged to use PhOS as they are cheap and extend the shelf life. Only a clear, viable ban can ensure that all the food sold in Pakistan – whether in a small village shop or a large supermarket – is free from this toxic component.

Therefore, Pakistan needs a comprehensive legislation with separate, compatible laws in the capital of all four provinces, Gilgit -Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad. This should be a nationwide effort. If a jurisdiction also allows PHO, unsafe products will find their way to shelves everywhere.

The Parliamentary Task Force on the SDG will emphasize immediate legislative proceedings in the next months. Success will require mutual cooperation: between federal and provincial governments, between lawmakers and regulators and civil society. Campaigns like Transform Pakistan have already laid the foundation by raising awareness and promoting its pace. The time has come for a policy maker.

The choice is ours: Will we continue to allow a proven poison in our markets, or will we legislate to protect every Pakistani’s health and future?

There can be no hesitation. We must take a decisive step right now to eliminate this risk by providing our food.

The author is a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan.