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Category: National

  • PM Imran directs facilitating Chinese industrialists

    PM Imran directs facilitating Chinese industrialists

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday directed the authorities to ensure all facilities on a priority basis to Chinese industrialists, who are ready to start operation in the country.

    In a meeting with Chinese businessmen, the prime minister said the country will support Chinese businesses in Pakistan on a priority basis and are grateful to them for their keen interest in accelerating their investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

    The Chinese business delegation led by Chen Yan from Challenge Fashion (Pvt) Ltd.

    During the meeting, the prime minister was told that Chinese businessmen are almost ready to start operations in the glass, ceramics and information technology sectors.

    The prime minister said that Pakistan and China were connected not only in the past or present but would remain united through their future generations too.

    “We appreciate the valuable relationship of the peoples of the two countries,” he added.

    It is worth mentioning that OPPO, one of the leading tech manufacturers in the world, is going to establish a local mobile manufacturing unit and a research and development centre in Pakistan.

    It would not only save a lot of foreign exchange reserves on the import of smartphones annually but would also create employment opportunities for our tech graduates.

    The meeting was also attended by Energy Minister Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill, SAPM on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor and Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong along with senior officers concerned.

    In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Nong Rong said that he was very happy as since the prime minister’s previous meeting with the Chinese businessmen on September 13, a lot of issues had been resolved and great progress had been achieved.

    He said that the Chinese entrepreneurs were encouraged and hoping great progress after this meeting.

    “We will send more positive information to China to encourage more Chinese businessmen to make decision to invest in Pakistan,” he commented.

    A Chinese entrepreneur representing OPPO, said that the company had already been present in Pakistan for more than seven years and had made around $150 million investment in the country.

    He said like other companies, for OPPO too, it was a very good environment in Pakistan to continue to invest there and the interaction with the prime minister helped the swift resolution of the issues.

    He thanked the prime minister for helping the Chinese businessmen by extending facilitation to them.

    “If anybody comes to me and ask should they invest in Pakistan, I will say yes,” he remarked.

    PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney
  • Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lifted the ban imposed on the services of TikTok, an online social platform, according to a statement issued on Friday.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that it had restored the services of TikTok on the assurance of the platform to control immoral/indecent content.

    Subsequent to the imposition of the ban on July 20, 2021, the PTA remained in communications with the TikTok management.

    As a result of continuous engagement, senior management of the platform assured PTA of its commitment to take necessary measures to control unlawful content in accordance with local laws and societal norms.

    The company also assured that the users who are continuously involved in uploading unlawful content will be blocked from using the platform.

    Keeping in view the assurances, the authority has decided to lift the ban on TikTok forthwith.

    The PTA will continue to monitor the platform in order to ensure that unlawful content contrary to Pakistan’s law and societal values is not disseminated.

    TikTok blocked in Pakistan due to immoral content
  • SPI inflation of essential items climbs up by 18.34%

    SPI inflation of essential items climbs up by 18.34%

    KARACHI: The inflation based on Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) has increased by 18.34 per cent for the week ended November 18, 2021 over the same week a year ago, according to data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) issued on Friday.

    The year on year trend depicts increase of 18.34 per cent, LPG (76.12 per cent), Electricity for Q1 (75.32 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 1 Kg (56.94 per cent), Cooking Oil 5 litre (56.28), Mustard Oil (55.42 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 2.5 Kg (52.94 per cent), Petrol (44.35 per cent), Diesel (40.21 per cent), Washing Soap (37.70 per cent) and Chilies Powdered (34.18 per cent).

    Major decrease in prices observed in Onions (38.61 per cent), Pulse Moong (28.80 per cent), Potatoes (26.55 per cent), Tomatoes (6.34 per cent) and Sugar (3.51 per cent).

    The SPI for the current week ended on November 18, 2021 recorded an increase of 1.07 per cent. Increase in the  prices of Chicken (8.26 per cent), Cooking Oil 5 litre (4.72 per cent), Bananas (4.18 per cent), Washing Soap (3.94 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 2.5 kg (3.15 per cent), Vegetable Ghee 1 kg (2.38 per cent), Rice Irri (1.76 per cent), Pulse Moong (1.62 per cent), Eggs (1.52 per cent), Fire Wood (1.24 per cent) and Tea Prepared (1.21 per cent), was observed with joint impact of (0.78 per cent) into the overall SPI for combined group of (1.07 per cent).

    On the other hand, decrease observed in the prices of Tomatoes (5.77 per cent), Sugar (4.25 per cent), Onions (2.14 per cent), Gur (1.48 per cent), Potatoes (1.36 per cent), Pulse Masoor (0.43 per cent), Garlic (0.13 per cent), Wheat Flour & LPG (0.08 per cent) each and Pulse Gram (0.02 per cent).

    During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 27 (52.94 per cent) items increased 10 (19.61 per cent) items decreased and 14 (27.45 per cent) items remained stable.

    Inflation of essential items rises by 17.37% YoY
  • TPL Properties, Bahria sign MoU for tourist beach resorts

    TPL Properties, Bahria sign MoU for tourist beach resorts

    KARACHI: TPL Properties (TPLP) and Bahria Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of tourist beach resorts.

    TPL Properties said it signed the MoU with Bahria Foundation, according to a communication received to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.

    The company said that it had signed a MoU with Bahria Foundation, a trust established and existing under the Endowment Act, 1890 and engaged in industrial, commercial and development activities in Pakistan.

    As per the MoU, Bahria Foundation shall collaborate with TPLP to utilize the expertise of TPLP to design, develop, construct and market real estate, including potential tourist beach resorts.

    Bahria Town investors fear their life-time savings at stake
  • Pakistan, Iran barter trade to start in a month

    Pakistan, Iran barter trade to start in a month

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement and barter trade between the two countries will start in a month, a top official said on Thursday.

    This was stated by the Commerce Secretary before the Standing Committee on Commerce of the Senate.

    To the question of Senator Fida Mohammad, the Commerce Secretary apprised the Standing Committee on Commerce, which met here at Parliament House on Thursday under the Chairmanship of Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, that being on the grey list had not any negative concussion on Pakistan’s exports.

    Due to the lack of banking channels with Iran, there exist some issues in trading with Tehran. The barter trade issue with Iran has been resolved, he informed.

    An agreement has been reached with Iran regarding barter trade, he added further. He said that barter trade with Iran would start in a month.

    Commerce Adviser, Razzaq Dawood briefed the Committee on GSP Plus status( Generalised Scheme of Preferences). He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Europe have reached 9 billion dollars.

    The Commerce Adviser informed the committee that the European Union (EU) was assuaged with Pakistan’s implementation of the GSP Plus terms.

    Pakistan had kowtowed with most of the 27 conventions. He underlined that Pakistan had already addressed issues like eradication of Child Labour, Freedom of Speech, Rights of journalists, Rights of Women, and others as per assigned indicators.

    He asserted that the EU asked for expanding the range of exports to European markets but exports to the EU have not inflated as they should have because of weaknesses of our exporters.

    While responding to a question asked by the Chairman Committee, Abdul Razzaq Dawood remarked that under GSP Plus, 66 per cent of Pakistan’s tariff lines were on zero duties. EU exports increased by 47 per cent, he said, adding that trade with the EU is in Pakistan’s interest.

    For maximum participation of all members and inclusive discussion, the detailed deliberation on GSP plus status and briefing by the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute (PCSI) were recessed for the next meeting.

    The Commerce Adviser also lauded the role of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce in passing the (Geographical Indications) GI Act.

    Apart from Senator Fida Mohammad, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, the commerce Adviser Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Secretary Commerce, Additional Secretary Commerce, and officials from Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute attended the meeting.

    Pakistan, Iran discuss promoting agriculture cooperation
  • PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney

    PM Imran launches automation of power of attorney

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched the automation of power of attorney for overseas Pakistanis at a ceremony held at Prime Minister House.

    The Prime Minister said that it was a historic day for overseas Pakistanis as the digitalization of Power of Attorney will facilitate around 75,000 overseas Pakistanis annually.

    While stressing the need for digitalization, he said that technology helps in the simplification of procedures and the government was taking all possible measures for digitalization of various sectors.

    The issuance of the Succession Certificate by NADRA was also a step in this direction. The Prime Minister added that Overseas Pakistanis were an asset to the country.

    They were the largest source of foreign remittances and their services must be recognized. The Prime Minister stressed that Overseas Pakistanis needed to be facilitated by all possible means.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, and Chairman NADRA Muhammad Tariq Malik were also present.

    The Foreign Minister, in his remarks on the occasion, congratulated the teams of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as NADRA for making the project a success.

    He highlighted that this project involved extensive legislative and technological work and was completed in a very short span of time.

    Qureshi reiterated that the government attached utmost importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis under the guidance of the prime minister.

    He stated that the welfare of the Pakistani community was one of the major functions of our Missions abroad along with economic diplomacy.

    During the ceremony, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NADRA, under which NADRA will provide 24/7 uninterrupted online services for attestation of Power of Attorney.

    Automation of attestation of Power of Attorney has been a longstanding demand of the Overseas Pakistanis and will facilitate those who have to travel long distances from different cities and far-off places to the Missions.

    This automated system will reduce costs and minimize hassle by providing attestation services at the doorsteps.

    The automation of Power of Attorney has been initially launched as a pilot project in ten Pakistan Missions/Sub-Missions in the United States and the United Kingdom and will be replicated shortly at all Pakistan Missions Abroad.

  • Documentary on ‘Buddhist heritage of Pakistan’ launched

    Documentary on ‘Buddhist heritage of Pakistan’ launched

    ‘Gandhara’ is a documentary jointly produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

    It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

    The documentary will be launched on Tuesday at Temple Trees by His Excellency, Prime Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the presence of Venerable Buddhist monks, Cabinet and State Ministers, MPs, ambassadors of Buddhist countries, as well as business, tourism and media fraternity of Sri Lanka.

    One of the Tooth Relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered from the Gandhara region is preserved at Taxila Museum in Pakistan.

    It is the region where the Gandhara Buddhist civilization reached its pinnacle of glory from 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

    The first anthropomorphic statue of Lord Buddha was created in the region now called Pakistan. Also known for one of the the world’s oldest Buddhist University, Thakshashila, Taxila in Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts found during archeological excavations around the 12th century.

    A sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to the government of Pakistan, also grows in the gardens of Taxila Museum.

    In order to present this heritage to the Buddhist world in general and Sri Lanka in particular, the idea of “Gandhara: The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” was conceived.

    Launched with the blessings of the Prime Minister and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Imran Khan, this documentary will open up new avenues in religious tourism as well as strengthening cultural and people to people ties between the brotherly countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

    With special permission from the Government of Pakistan, both local and foreign technicians including Director, Mateen Saherai & Production Controller Sajjad Mohommad (Gateway To Production, England) from England have contributed to this film.

    The film is based on a screenplay that explores the historical ruins and artifacts captured in a realistic way while also exploring background historical information.

    Ven. Agrahera Kassapa Thero is the Senior Adviser to the entire project. The concept and script has been prepared by the Project Consultant Director, Vidyajothi Prof. Nimal Silva. The film is co-produced by Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, known for producing, marketing, distribution and exhibition of international films.

    The sound and movie editing is done by local artists. Ms. Kaushalya Wickramasinghe, the Chairperson of Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited mentioned that the film is expected to be screened in local cinemas as well as on local TV channels and abroad in collaboration with international organizations.

    Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed said that “Gandhara” was conceptualized with the aim of bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan together through their shared history and heritage.

    Venerable Dr Kirindey Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple while fondly recalling his visit to the Holy Buddhist Trail in Pakistan organized by the High Commission of Pakistan, gave his blessings for the success of the documentary and closer relations between the two countries.

    ‘Gandhara’ is a documentary jointly produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

    It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

    The documentary will be launched on Tuesday at Temple Trees by His Excellency, Prime Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the presence of Venerable Buddhist monks, Cabinet and State Ministers, MPs, ambassadors of Buddhist countries, as well as business, tourism and media fraternity of Sri Lanka.

    One of the Tooth Relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered from the Gandhara region is preserved at Taxila Museum in Pakistan.

    It is the region where the Gandhara Buddhist civilization reached its pinnacle of glory from 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

    The first anthropomorphic statue of Lord Buddha was created in the region now called Pakistan. Also known for one of the the world’s oldest Buddhist University, Thakshashila, Taxila in Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts found during archeological excavations around the 12th century.

    A sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to the government of Pakistan, also grows in the gardens of Taxila Museum.

    In order to present this heritage to the Buddhist world in general and Sri Lanka in particular, the idea of “Gandhara: The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” was conceived.

    Launched with the blessings of the Prime Minister and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Imran Khan, this documentary will open up new avenues in religious tourism as well as strengthening cultural and people to people ties between the brotherly countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

    With special permission from the Government of Pakistan, both local and foreign technicians including Director, Mateen Saherai & Production Controller Sajjad Mohommad (Gateway To Production, England) from England have contributed to this film.

    The film is based on a screenplay that explores the historical ruins and artifacts captured in a realistic way while also exploring background historical information.

    Ven. Agrahera Kassapa Thero is the Senior Adviser to the entire project. The concept and script has been prepared by the Project Consultant Director, Vidyajothi Prof. Nimal Silva. The film is co-produced by Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, known for producing, marketing, distribution and exhibition of international films.

    The sound and movie editing is done by local artists. Ms. Kaushalya Wickramasinghe, the Chairperson of Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited mentioned that the film is expected to be screened in local cinemas as well as on local TV channels and abroad in collaboration with international organizations.

    Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed said that “Gandhara” was conceptualized with the aim of bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan together through their shared history and heritage.

    Venerable Dr Kirindey Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple while fondly recalling his visit to the Holy Buddhist Trail in Pakistan organized by the High Commission of Pakistan, gave his blessings for the success of the documentary and closer relations between the two countries.

  • Petroleum prices kept unchanged for next fortnight

    Petroleum prices kept unchanged for next fortnight

    ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday decided to keep prices of petroleum products unchanged at the level of November 05, 2021, for the next fortnight.

    The prices will remain unchanged from November 16, 2021, till the end of the month: Petrol Rs145.82 per liter; High-Speed Diesel (HSD) Rs142.62 per liter; Kerosene Oil Rs116.53 per liter; and Light Diesel Oil Rs114.07 per liter.

    A statement issued by the Finance Division said that despite rising petroleum products prices globally, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has kindly rejected the proposal for enhancement in the prices and desired that the prices of petroleum products from November 16, 2021, shall remain the same as notified on November 04, 2021, for providing maximum relief to the general public.

    The decision has been taken in the public interest. The government will bear the burden by making adjustments in the sales tax rates, etc.

    Muzzammil Aslam, spokesman to the finance minister in a Tweet said: “History has been made today. In today’s petrol prices the Sales Tax is effective zero per cent.”

    Petrol tax rate cut by 73% to lower global oil price impact
  • Early detection only prevention for breast cancer

    Early detection only prevention for breast cancer

    KARACHI: The First Lady of Pakistan Samina Arif Alvi has stressed that early detection is the only prevention for dealing with the life-threatening disease of breast cancer as 98 percent of the women survive when they are diagnosed with breast cancer earlier but unfortunately, majority of the breast cancer patients in Pakistan are diagnosed belatedly when cancer reaches third stage, resulting in a death rate in between 40 to 45 percent.

    Speaking at a seminar organized at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) on Women Empowerment & Breast Cancer on Saturday, Samina Arif Alvi added that keeping in view the limited number of mammogram facilities available in the country, it was better for women to carry out self-examination for five minutes and if they feel anything unusual or any symptom or any change, they must immediately seek medical assistance.

    Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Chairperson of KCCI’s Women Entrepreneurs Subcommittee Durre Shahwar Nisar, President Pink Ribbon Trust Dr. Zubaida Qazi, Associate Professor IBA Huma Baqai, KCCI Managing Committee Members and a large number of women entrepreneurs attended the seminar.

    First Lady Samina Alvi, while appreciating KCCI’s efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, stated that it was very important that the business community of Chamber of Commerce, which plays the role of a backbone in the economy, comes forward to raise awareness about this disease being suffered by many women. “We need to sensitize our brothers, husbands and sons about this serious disease so that women should feel strong and boldly come forward for checkups. We have to ensure that women are empowered and encouraged to come out in every field as women are no less than anyone and they are capable of carrying out all types of tasks if they are strong and healthier.”

    She also stressed the need for collective efforts by all segments of society, particularly the business community and media which can play an instrumental role in raising awareness about breast cancer and women empowerment. The awareness campaigns should not remain confined to the month of October only but it should be an ongoing exercise and the media must televise awareness program at least once a month, she added.

    Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, said, “Today is an important day which would open a new chapter in the history of KCCI as for the very first time, KCCI has staged a seminar on breast cancer which was not given importance in the past.”

    Referring to Dr. Zubaida Qazi’s remarks, he said that it was really alarming to see that breast cancer cases have gone up to 23.8 percent which were likely to rise further to 60 percent in few years if not promptly addressed. The government must prioritize this serious issue and an effective strategy has to be devised so that the breast cancer cases could be controlled and gradually brought down instead of upsurging.

    He was of the view that the government must make screening and check-ups for breast cancer mandatory for every woman who reaches the age of 40 years which would certainly result in early diagnosis of this life-threatening disease and save many precious lives. “The strategy pursued to get the population vaccinated for COVID-19 pandemic proved very fruitful. Hence, a similar strategy must also be adopted for dealing with breast cancer by taking penal actions, imposing travel restrictions and barring women to avail other essential services on their failure to get the screening done for breast cancer”, he suggested, adding that it was also the responsibility of every male individual to ensure that his wife, sister or daughter have been screened.

    While commending the efforts being made by First Lady, Zubair Motiwala extended Karachi Chamber’s full support and cooperation to all the initiatives being taken by the government for women empowerment and rights. “Empowerment comes when women get education and skills, hence it has to be ensured that women have access to education otherwise, the problems being suffered by our women would never minimize”, he added.

    Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, while underscoring the need to change perception and mentally about women, said, “Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is widely believed that women will not be able to carry out several types of jobs which is untrue as women can do wonders if they are fully supported and empowered.”

    He was of the opinion that rural women must also be given equal attention in all the awareness campaigns about breast cancer while opportunities must be provided to differently abled women in public and private sector organizations.   

    General Secretary AQ Khalil, while praising the role being played by the first lady for the betterment of women, said that as women represent more than 50 percent of the population, they must be provided equal opportunities and all their problems must also be treated equally. Moreover, the reserved seats at the National and Provincial Assemblies for women must also be raised according to their population.

    President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, while warmly welcoming the First Lady, stated that the empowerment and autonomy of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status was a highly important which would help in achieving sustainable development. “Education is also one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to fully participate in the development process.”

    He was of the opinion that entrepreneurship was becoming an increasingly significant source of employment for women across many countries. Nowadays women perform an important role in building the real backbone of a nation’s economy. However, the number of Women entrepreneurs was quite less and they often face gender-based barriers to starting and growing their businesses which needs to be tackled, he said.

    “As a nation, I would like everyone to spread the awareness on Breast Cancer so that we could collectively fight for this noble cause”, Muhammad Idrees added while extending full support and cooperation to the government in all its endeavors to create a better society for women.

    KCCI urges SBP to restore PKR at Rs150 to dollar
  • Pakistan sees 70% rise in diabetes cases in two years

    Pakistan sees 70% rise in diabetes cases in two years

    KARACHI: Ahead of World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released new figures showing that the prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan has increased significantly as 33 million adults in Pakistan are now living with diabetes – a 70 per cent increase in past two years or since 2019.

    According to IDF, in 2021, diabetes will be responsible for 400,000 deaths in the country– the highest number in the Middle-East and North Africa Region.

    These findings from the 10th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, which will be published on December 6th, report that one in four adults (26.7 per cent) in Pakistan are living with diabetes – the highest national prevalence in the world.

    Pakistan now has the third highest number of people living with diabetes in the world, after China (141 million) and India (74 million). An additional 11 million adults in Pakistan have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), which places them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

    More than quarters (26.9 per cent) of adults living with diabetes in Pakistan are undiagnosed. When diabetes is undetected or inadequately treated, people with diabetes are at risk of serious and life-threatening complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and lower-limb amputation. These result in reduced quality of life and higher healthcare costs.

    IDF says that 537 million adults are now living with diabetes worldwide — a rise of 16 per cent (74 million) since the previous IDF estimates in 2019. “The rapidly rising level of diabetes in Pakistan presents a significant challenge to the health and wellbeing of individuals and families in the country,” says Professor Abdul Basit, Director, Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Baqai Medical University.

    This year marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin. This milestone presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the impact of diabetes and highlights the urgent need to improve access to care for the millions affected. An estimated 1 in 2 people with diabetes across the world who need insulin cannot access or afford it.

    “We must do more to provide affordable and uninterrupted access to diabetes care for all in Pakistan, and around the world. Policy makers and health decision-makers must turn words into action to improve the lives of people with diabetes and prevent the condition in those at high risk of developing it,” concludes Basit.

    Globally, 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. The rise in the number of people with type 2 is driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, demographic, environmental and genetic factors. Key contributors include urbanisation, an ageing population, decreasing levels of physical activity and increasing levels of overweight and obesity.

    Much can be done to reduce the impact of diabetes. Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, while early diagnosis and access to appropriate care for all types of diabetes can avoid or delay complications in people living with the condition.

    In Pakistan, the Diabetic Association of Pakistan has initiated the Diabetes Registry of Pakistan (DROP) and signed MOUs with a selection of provincial ministries and private organizations to ensure the accessibility, affordability and standardization of diabetes care in the country.

    Key global and regional findings from the IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition include:

    One in ten (10.5 per cent) adults around the world are currently living with diabetes. The total number is predicted to rise to 643 million (11.3 per cent) by 2030 and to 783 million (12.2 per cent) by 2045.

    1 in 6 adults (73 million) are living with diabetes in the Middle-East and North Africa Region.

    An estimated 240 million people are living with undiagnosed diabetes worldwide – 27 million in the Middle-East and North Africa Region.

    Diabetes was responsible for an estimated USD 966 billion in global health expenditure in 2021. This represents a 316 per cent increase over 15 years. The Middle-East and North Africa Region accounts for 3 per cent (33 billion USD) of the global expenditure.

    Excluding the mortality risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 6.7 million adults are estimated to have died as a result of diabetes, or its complications, in 2021. That’s more than one in ten (12.2 per cent) of global deaths from all causes. The Middle-East and North Africa Region accounts for 12 per cent (796,000) of total diabetes-related deaths.

    Around 541 million adults, or 10.6 per cent of adults worldwide, have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), placing them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Almost one in nine (48 million) people affected by IGT live in the Middle-East and North Africa Region.

    The theme selected by IDF for World Diabetes Day – 14 November – is Access to Diabetes Care. IDF is calling on national governments to provide the best possible care for people living with diabetes and develop policies to improve diabetes screening and type 2 diabetes prevention, especially among young people.

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