Rawalpindi,14 November,2026(Nosheen): The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD), organized an awareness walk on World Diabetes Day to highlight the growing diabetes crisis and promote effective preventive measures in Pakistan.The walk was led by Chief Guest Maj. Gen. Nadir Khan, Commandant and Executive Director AFIC-NIHD, and attended by Col. Shakeel, Executive Director PANAH, Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, youth, students and media.Addressing the participants, Maj. Gen. Nadir Khan emphasized the importance of public awareness, healthy eating habits, physical activity, early prevention and timely health screening to reduce the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.Sana Ullah Ghumman highlighted that more than 34.5 million people in Pakistan are living with diabetes. He stressed that excessive consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods is contributing to the growing disease burden. He urged the government to introduce mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPWLs) on unhealthy food products, increase taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and eliminate industrially produced trans fats from the food system.Col. Shakeel emphasized that diabetes prevention must become a national priority through public awareness, healthier food choices, regular physical activity and early diagnosis.The participants carried placards and called for stronger government policies and coordinated efforts to promote healthier food environments and protect future generations from diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.