ISLAMABAD, 07 OCT (DNA) — The Department of Arabic, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), in collaboration with the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), organized an awareness seminar titled “Prevention of Heart and Non-Communicable Diseases.”
President PANAH, Maj Gen (R) Masud-ur-Rehman HI(M), was the keynote speaker, while Rector NUML, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (R), graced the event as the chief guest. DG NUML, Brig (retd) Nadeem Asghar, Pro-Rector (R&SI), Dr Safeer Awan, Secretary General PANAH Mr. Sanaullah Ghumman, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami, Head of Arabic Department Dr. Abu Bakkar Bhutta, Deans, faculty members, and a large number of students attended the seminar.
At the outset, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of maintaining good health and adopting a balanced lifestyle to prevent heart and other chronic diseases. In his keynote address, President PANAH Maj Gen (Retd) Masud-ur-Rehman HI (M) emphasized that taking care of one’s heart is the responsibility of every individual.
He urged participants to abandon unhealthy habits and lifestyles that endanger life and health. He advised adopting a disciplined routine that includes daily exercise, healthy eating, cleanliness, and quitting tobacco use. He also highlighted the importance of mental well-being, spirituality, and stress management for a healthy heart.
He drew attention to the alarming rise in obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases caused by the excessive consumption of junk and ultra-processed foods. He informed the audience about PANAH’s future initiatives such as the School Food Policy, which restricts the sale of sugary drinks within a one-kilometer radius of educational institutions.
He further shared that efforts are underway to ban advertisements of sugary and unhealthy beverages, similar to the existing ban on cigarette advertisements. He called upon the youth to join hands with PANAH in this noble cause to safeguard future generations from life-threatening diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, Rector NUML Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) (Retd) underscored that good health is a prerequisite for a fulfilling and productive life. He urged students to balance their academic pursuits with physical activities, emphasizing that “our bodies are not designed for junk food but for fitness and purpose.
” Quoting from the Holy Quran, he said that Islam advocates moderation in all aspects of life. He encouraged the youth to embrace a lifestyle centered on discipline, health, and gratitude. “Strong minds reside in healthy bodies; therefore, let fitness and balance be a part of your daily routine,” he added.
Secretary General PANAH Sanaullah Ghumman also briefed the audience on the organization’s objectives, ongoing initiatives, and achievements in raising awareness about heart health and combating non-communicable diseases in Pakistan. — DNA
