Diabetes a Serious Public Health Challenge in Pakistan, Says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Islamabad:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the rapidly spreading diabetes epidemic in Pakistan is becoming a serious public health challenge, stressing that timely screening and medical intervention are essential to prevent complications and save precious human lives.
In his message on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, 2026, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was joining the international community in emphasising the importance of effective measures and collective cooperation to prevent diabetes.
He said this year’s World Diabetes Day was being observed under the theme “Taking Timely Action Against Diabetes,” highlighting the importance of early screening and medical treatment to prevent complications associated with the disease.
According to the Prime Minister, diabetes is a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting millions of people. He stressed that Pakistan must improve access to early diagnosis and treatment facilities to control the growing prevalence of the disease.
Shehbaz Sharif said the Prime Minister’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Programme had been formulated to prevent and manage the disease, with the federal government allocating Rs6.8 billion for the initiative.
He explained that the programme aims to expand screening facilities for early detection of diabetes, improve primary healthcare services and increase public access to diagnosis and treatment.
The Prime Minister added that promoting healthy lifestyles, raising public awareness and strengthening coordination between federal and provincial governments were also among the government’s priorities.
In his message, Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, consume balanced and nutritious diets, make regular exercise part of their daily routines and undergo regular medical check-ups and screening.
He also encouraged people to seek timely medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals.
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