ISLAMABAD: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday said that diabetes has emerged as a serious public health challenge, affecting not only individuals but also their families, communities and society at large.
In his message on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, he said that the global theme for World Diabetes Day 2026, “Early Action on Diabetes,” underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, access to quality healthcare and preventive measures. He stressed that greater public awareness, early detection and affordable and accessible treatment are essential to addressing the growing burden of diabetes and preventing serious complications. Ayaz Sadiq said that unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and other unhealthy lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. He urged citizens to adopt balanced diets, engage in regular physical activity and make healthy lifestyle choices part of their daily routines.
The Speaker also encouraged people to undergo regular health check-ups and seek medical advice without delay if they experience possible symptoms or have risk factors associated with diabetes. Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that early diagnosis and timely, appropriate medical care can help prevent or delay complications and enable people living with diabetes to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
He said that diabetes management requires sustained access to medical care, essential medicines, professional guidance and support for adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Ayaz Sadiq called upon healthcare institutions and relevant public-sector organizations to strengthen diabetes prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
He said that public awareness campaigns should be expanded through healthcare facilities, educational institutions, communities and the media so that citizens are better informed about diabetes, its warning signs, risk factors and the importance of early action. The Speaker said that a healthy population is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation, adding that ensuring access to quality healthcare for every citizen is an important responsibility of the state.
He reaffirmed that Parliament would continue to play its role through legislation and oversight aimed at protecting public health, preventing disease and improving access to quality healthcare services. On the occasion, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that effectively addressing the growing threat of diabetes requires greater emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis and continuous medical monitoring.
He said that, alongside encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, it was equally important to ensure that people living with diabetes have timely and affordable access to treatment, essential medicines and professional medical advice.
Mustafa Shah emphasized the need to promote diabetes awareness through educational institutions, healthcare centres and the media so that citizens could better understand the risks associated with the disease, preventive measures and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. –Agencies
