The Food Factor

Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Convener of the Alliance for Good Governance Foundation, opened the seminar, stressing the foundation’s commitment to public health awareness and reforms in the health sector. He underscored the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and the role of a healthy diet in preventing them.

1. Prof. Dr. Col. Shakeel Ahmed Mirza
   • Renowned Gastroenterologist
   • Recommended reducing carbohydrate intake, increasing protein consumption, and replacing processed foods with natural alternatives. He also advocated for taxing sugary drinks and regulating high-fat, high-sodium foods for better public health.
2. Dr. Asmara Ali
   • Gynecologist
   • Urged participants to include more vegetables, meat, barley porridge, milk, and eggs in their diets. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined sleep routine for optimal health.
3. Prof. Dr. Naveed Iqbal
   • Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Head of Urology and Renal Transplant at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
   • Warned about excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly for individuals with kidney and bladder issues. He emphasized the importance of hydration for overall health.
4. Dr. Parvez
   • Agricultural Advisor to the Abu Dhabi Government
   • Suggested promoting rooftop vegetable gardens and encouraging children to adopt vegetable-based diets as sustainable practices.
5. Dr. Halima Shahid
   • Gynecologist
   • Emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition based on individual needs and highlighted the role of mothers in shaping their children’s eating habits.
6. Dr. Zubair Abdullah
   • Health Policy Expert (joined via Zoom from the U.S.)
   • Advocated for improving data collection and research to enhance health policy-making and recommended better regulation of cooking oil quality in Pakistan.
7. Dr. Fatima
   • Nutritionist
   • Proposed introducing balanced diet awareness programs in schools and suggested that 80% of daily food intake should consist of natural, unprocessed foods.

Shabbir Hussain emphasized the importance of listening to health experts in today’s digital age, where information on home remedies is widely circulated. He encouraged the audience to discern what is beneficial for their well-being and what should be avoided, expressing confidence that the seminar would bring about positive changes for the people.

The seminar concluded with a call for stronger research mechanisms, transparent food labeling practices, and heightened public awareness to ensure access to accurate nutritional information. The event highlighted the need for collaboration between health experts, policymakers, and the public to create a healthier society.