PM Shehbaz Directs Officials to Develop Comprehensive Diabetes Prevention Strategy
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent diabetes in Pakistan, emphasising public awareness, early diagnosis and healthier lifestyles as essential components of the country’s response to the disease.
The directive was issued following a meeting with a delegation of national and international medical experts specialising in diabetes treatment and management on Saturday, October 10.
The prime minister stressed that Pakistan must give greater attention to preventing diabetes alongside providing treatment to people already living with the condition.
Government Prioritises Diabetes Prevention
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif described diabetes as a growing public health challenge requiring coordinated preventive measures.
He emphasised the importance of promoting healthier daily habits to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.
The prime minister called for a comprehensive national approach that would make preventive healthcare information more accessible to the public.
The directive marks a request to prepare a strategy, rather than the announcement of a fully funded or operational national programme.
Special Focus on College and University Students
The prime minister instructed relevant authorities to introduce effective measures encouraging healthier lifestyles among young people, particularly students at colleges and universities.
He highlighted the importance of building awareness about balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and sustainable daily health habits.
Educational institutions could play an important role in promoting preventive health information, although the government has not yet announced specific campus programmes, implementation dates or funding arrangements.
Nationwide Diabetes Awareness Campaign Proposed
Shehbaz Sharif also directed officials to use television, radio, digital platforms and other communication channels to spread information about diabetes prevention and timely diagnosis.
The proposed awareness efforts would focus on helping people understand common risk factors, recognise the importance of screening and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Public communication was identified as a central part of the government’s planned response.
Early Diagnosis Remains Important
Early detection can help people receive timely medical advice and manage diabetes before serious complications develop.
Health professionals generally recommend a combination of balanced nutrition, appropriate physical activity and medical screening based on individual risk factors.
However, lifestyle changes do not prevent every case of diabetes, and people with existing diabetes may still require medication and ongoing clinical care.
The government’s reported directive did not specify new screening eligibility criteria or announce free nationwide testing services.
Implementation Details Yet to Be Announced
The meeting brought together Pakistani and international medical experts to discuss how prevention and awareness could become stronger priorities in the country’s health response.
Further details are still needed on which institutions will lead the proposed strategy, how it will be financed and when implementation may begin.
The key development is the prime minister’s instruction to prepare a comprehensive diabetes prevention strategy, with a particular focus on young people, healthier lifestyles, public communication and early diagnosis.
