Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 14 November 2025

This Media Update includes:

• WHO - PRESS RELEASE : WHO and Pakistan warn that diabetes already affects 1 in 3 adults in the country
• FAO - PRESS RELEASE : FAO Drives Innovation with Data at National DataFest 2025

WHO

PRESS RELEASE

WHO and Pakistan warn that diabetes already affects 1 in 3 adults in the country

The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health urge all Pakistanis to follow lifestyle recommendations and prevent the risks of a disease afflicting 34.5 million people in Pakistan, the highest proportional burden globally.

14 November 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan - On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Pakistan warned that diabetes affects 34.5 million people in Pakistan, including 1 in 3 adults. Pakistan has the highest diabetes burden globally - in percentage terms - and hosts more than 40% of the total estimated cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

This week, WHO and the Ministry of Health are partnering to organize special diabetes screening activities in medical facilities, urging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and encouraging the early detection of a silent killer that can affect people of any age. Four in 10 people affected by diabetes in the Region do not know it, increasing their risk of serious health complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

"Today we observe World Diabetes Day to highlight the rising burden of diabetes in Pakistan. The Ministry of Health, through the Prime Minister's Diabetes Programme, is promoting early detection, free screening, and healthier lifestyles. I urge all citizens to know their risk, get tested, and take simple steps like healthy eating and physical activity. I appreciate our partners and the media for helping spread this vital message for a healthier nation," said Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal.

"Diabetes is a silent killer, but we can all do our part to protect ourselves and our families by adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checkups. Prevention is always the best cure, and WHO will stand with Pakistan and its people to combat a disease that can be prevented or minimized through early detection and timely treatment," said WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luo Dapeng.

Globally, the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The disease is rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and the consequences of all types of diabetes minimized or delayed by maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, detecting the disease early, seeking treatment when needed, avoiding tobacco, and reducing sugar intake.

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For additional information, please contact:  

Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer - Communications, WHO Pakistan, [email protected]

José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, [email protected]

About WHO

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations - so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has been present in Pakistan - a founding member of the Organization - since 1960. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitterand Facebook.

FAO

PRESS RELEASE

FAO Drives Innovation with Data at National DataFest 2025

Islamabad, 13 November 2025 - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Pakistan actively participated in National DataFest 2025, held at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad on November 11-12, 2025.

Organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), this pioneering two-day event brought together professionals, researchers, policymakers, data scientists, and technology enthusiasts from across Pakistan to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of data.

FAO's presence included an interactive stall showcasing its wide range of global and national initiatives, such as AQUASTAT, FAOSTAT, WaPOR, IPC, RIMA, the ACWA Portal, and the FAO eLearning Academy. Through engaging videos, live demonstrations, and real-time data examples, the organization highlighted how robust data collection, analysis, and dissemination can drive sustainable development and informed decision-making in agriculture, water management, climate resilience, and food security.

In addition to its exhibition, the FAO team contributed to a high-level panel discussion, engaging with government representatives, development partners, and data experts to emphasize the critical role of open, standardized, and trusted data in shaping policies and programs.

FAO's participation underscored its commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving its development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. By strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting accessible data solutions, and empowering stakeholders, FAO continues to enable evidence-based policymaking and innovative approaches to address emerging challenges.

The National DataFest serves as a vital platform to inspire knowledge exchange, enhance technical skills, and foster innovation, reinforcing the growing importance of data as a cornerstone for national progress, economic growth, and a resilient, food-secure future for all Pakistanis.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Fareeha Sultan

Communications Consultant, FAO Pakistan

[email protected], 0331-4630116

To learn more, please visit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAOinPakistan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FAOPakistan

Website: https://www.fao.org/Pakistan

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