Islamabad, November 13,2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for early screening, timely diagnosis and collective efforts to combat the growing prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan, announcing that the federal government has allocated Rs6.8 billion for a comprehensive programme aimed at its prevention and control.
In his message on World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to address the growing global burden of diabetes.
This year’s World Diabetes Day is being observed under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes”, which highlights the importance of timely screening and medical intervention to prevent complications and save lives.
The prime minister described diabetes as a major public health challenge affecting millions of people worldwide, saying its rapidly increasing prevalence in Pakistan had become a serious concern.
He emphasised that early screening and timely diagnosis were essential to identifying individuals at risk and preventing the onset or progression of the disease.
Shehbaz Sharif said appropriate medical guidance, preventive measures and improved access to quality healthcare and treatment facilities could significantly reduce the risk of complications and other serious health consequences.
In this regard, he said the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus had been developed as a comprehensive initiative to address the growing challenge.
He said the federal government had allocated Rs6.8 billion for the programme to strengthen and expand diabetes prevention and control measures. The initiative aims to increase screening coverage, improve primary healthcare services and enhance access to diagnosis and treatment.
The prime minister added that promoting healthy lifestyles, raising public awareness and strengthening coordination between federal and provincial governments were also among the programme’s key priorities.
Urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, he called for regular physical exercise, a balanced and nutritious diet, routine medical check-ups and timely consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
He stressed that reducing the growing prevalence of diabetes required collective responsibility, effective policies, greater public awareness and sustained investment in healthcare services.
The prime minister called for renewed national commitment to building a healthier, stronger and prosperous Pakistan.
