Pakistan’s health ministry has decided that there would not be any sugary soft drinks in its meetings, as part of the government’s decision to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The ministry issued an advisory, banning the consumption of sweetened sugary beverages during its official meetings and its attached departments to promote a healthier workplace environment and align with our commitment to public health.

The government has announced launching an Rs6.8 billion programme to tackle diabetes in the country.

According to a statement, the government aims to encourage healthier lifestyle choices among government colleagues and foster an environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

“Encouraging healthier habits through the advisory can align with the ministry’s dedication to dissuading the intake of sugary beverages, serving as a model in public health advocacy.”

It added that it was part of a broader mission of promoting healthier lifestyles and diminishing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the population.

As per the Global Burden of Disease 2019 report, there was an “increasing burden associated with the four primary NCDs in Pakistan,” contributing to heightened morbidity and premature mortality.

NCDs can be prevented through the reduction of their main risk factors, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution.

“One major contributor to the rise in NCDs is the excessive consumption of sugary beverages, which are high in added sugars and contribute to various health issues,” it said.