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.
A health worker conducts a diabetes rapid test in during a screening activity organized by WHO and the Ministry of Health on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO Pakistan
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.
For additional information, please contact:
Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan,
José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan,
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 Twitter and Facebook.
