A new dawn for public health | Political Economy

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Very morning, 48 -year -old ASIF, a private firm in Rawalpindi, is preparing for a long journey and demanding work day. Like many people in his position, he also works hard to provide his family, carefully balances rent, school fees and groceries. Yet, despite its modest but stable income, its financial security has increased in the last two years. In the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, ASIF has spent about Rs 500,000 on angioplasty, medicines and followups-the cost of the straw, which has forced him to borrow, reduce domestic spending and abandon his daughter’s private tuition. His story is not unique. In Pakistan, heart disease and other non-communication diseases (NCDs) are quietly devastating families-emotionally, physically and financially devastating.

Pakistan is witnessing a disturbing increase in the NCD. Cardiovascular diseases now cause about 200,000 deaths annually. More than 58 % of all deaths in the country are linked to NCDS, which is a combination of poor diet, lack of physical activity and environmental risks. One of the most captains in this crisis is industrially developed trans fatty acid (ITFA), commonly found in processed foods, breakfast and street foods. These fat, widely partially derived from hydrogenated oils (PHOS), rapidly increase the risk of bad cholesterol and heart disease.

In March 2025, Pakistan took an important step to divert the maize. The Pakistan Standards and the Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has formally approved an excellent practice policy in which the ITFA has been restricted to less than two percent of the total fat in all types of food. As a Director of Nutrition in the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination – and as someone who has long been fought against strong nutrition policies – I consider this success a milestone in our health journey.

This success did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of relentless advocacy, expert co -operation and joint vision between government agencies and civil society. Recognizing the Pose of Risk Transfits, the Ministry supported the Civil Society -led measures such as the Transformation Pakistan campaign. In a lockstip with UNICEF and Food Regulatory Institutions, the World Health Organization (WHO), these partners mobilized communities, engaged with policy makers and strengthened public health.

The first breakthrough was in June 2023, when Pakistan introduced the ITFA limits for six types of food. Despite being important, it was just a partial solution. Many items- especially those who eat through low and middle-income families, such as baked goods, margarine, street breakfast and milk replacement- unorganized. Recognizing these gulfs, civil society partners intensified their pressure on comprehensive reforms. His efforts resulted in an extension in September 2024, which included 58 meal categories. The last victory took place in March 2025, when the PSQCA approved a single, comprehensive standard to restrict the ITFA in all types of food – which aligned Pakistan with 62 other countries, including Denmark, Thailand and South Africa.

The health benefits of this correction cannot be promoted. The WHO estimates that eliminating the ITFA can prevent 17 million deaths globally by 2040. In Pakistan’s context, this can mean low hospital visits, low financial pressure on families like ASIF, and healthy, more productive manpower. This will reduce the pressure on our already stressful healthcare system, which will offer long -term economic and social profits.

But our work is not over. Although there is now a place of regulatory framework, real progress calls for severe implementation and even more importantly, the main source of ITFA, PHOS production, import and sale is a legislature. Regulatory limits are an important safety, but only legislation can permanently close the door on harmful trans fats. Countries such as Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Mexico have proven that the legal compliance and legal sanctions are the most effective way.

The ministry is determined to pursue this next phase. We are committed to working together with Parliament, Civil Society, Food Regulators and World Health Partners to make it a reality. The front road can be complicated, but the moral is mandatory: no one needs to choose between their health and financial protection, or to feed their family from damage and protect them.

This milestone shows what is possible when the government and civil society come together with a common goal. It not only reflects our commitment to international standards under the WHO’s place, but also shows our responsibility to prevent every citizen, especially the weakest, from preventing the damage. When we move forward, the time has come for food producers, retailers, media, healthcare professionals and the public to be invited to join us to complete the mission. Together, we have changed the course of public health in Pakistan. Now let’s make sure that every food is safer, every cut is healthy and every heartbeat is strong.

Author is Director in the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Nutrition