Islamabad, September 29, 2026: The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), on the occasion of World Heart Day 2026, has urged the Government of Pakistan to take immediate and decisive action to enforce a comprehensive ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), a major source of industrially produced trans fatty acids linked to cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases in the country.
This year’s World Heart Day campaign is being observed under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlighting the importance of recognising the signs of cardiovascular disease, protecting heart health and demanding stronger action to prevent avoidable deaths. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, with more than 20 million deaths reported worldwide each year.
According to CPDI, the continued use of PHOs in processed foods, bakery products, fried items and commercially prepared snacks remains a serious public health concern in Pakistan. Industrially produced trans fats have no known health benefits and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Their continued presence in the food supply, CPDI said, undermines efforts to create healthier food environments and prevent non-communicable diseases.
“On World Heart Day, we must recognise that protecting heart health requires action not only from individuals but also through stronger public health policies,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Director of CPDI. “Eliminating PHOs from our food supply is a practical and preventive measure that can help reduce exposure to harmful industrial trans fats and protect the health of millions of Pakistanis.”
CPDI said the burden of cardiovascular disease was particularly concerning because many of its risk factors could be prevented or managed through healthier diets, physical activity, tobacco control and appropriate management of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The World Heart Federation’s 2026 campaign calls for people to see the signs, protect their hearts and demand action to strengthen cardiovascular health.
The World Health Organization has recommended the elimination of industrially produced trans fats from the global food supply as an important and cost-effective measure to prevent cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. Countries around the world have adopted policies to eliminate industrial trans fats, demonstrating that regulatory action can play an important role in protecting population health.
On World Heart Day 2026, CPDI called upon the Government of Pakistan to move beyond awareness and take concrete regulatory action by enforcing a nationwide ban on PHOs. It said protecting citizens from harmful industrial trans fats should be an integral part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease and strengthen healthier food systems.
CPDI said it remained committed to advocating stronger food policies, healthier nutrition systems and sustained government action to eliminate industrial trans fats from Pakistan’s food supply and protect the nation’s heart health.
