QUETTA: In a landmark move for public health, the Balochistan Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Friday, demanding a strict province-wide ban on industrially produced trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in food items.
The resolution, presented during a session chaired by Speaker Captain (Retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, was jointly tabled by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Golla and members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, including Shahida Rauf, Farah Azeem Shah, Salma Bibi, and Umm Kulsoom.
The lawmakers highlighted that these artificial fats are major culprits behind the rising incidence of life-threatening non-communicable diseases. They argued that industrially produced trans fatty acids and PHOs significantly contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and strokes, with consumers often unaware of their presence in everyday packaged and processed foods.
The resolution specifically calls on the provincial government to impose immediate restrictions, limiting industrial trans fats to no more than 2% of the total fat content in all food products, aligning with global health standards. Furthermore, it urges the government to enact legislation to enforce a phased ban on the production, distribution, and import of partially hydrogenated oils—the primary source of these harmful fats۔
Speaking on the issue, MPA Farah Azeem Shah stated that the unchecked use of these substances is directly fueling a public health crisis. Supporting the motion, MPA Syad Zafar Agha raised concerns about the sale of harmful oils marketed as ghee and cooking oil across the province. In response, the Speaker directed the relevant authorities to compile complete details of all ghee and oil factories operating in Balochistan for further scrutiny. The resolution was later passed by the house, signaling a strong political will to safeguard citizens’ health.
Meanwhile in a significant crackdown on administrative corruption, the Balochistan government has suspended the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Hub district for their alleged involvement in a massive domicile certificate fraud.
Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan issued the orders, suspending Deputy Commissioner Nisar Ahmed Langove and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ali Raza Khoso for 90 days. The action was taken under Section 6 of the Balochistan Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Act 2011, following the damning findings of a High-Power Committee’s fact-finding inquiry
