During a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, the government revealed that Pakistan’s sugar production is expected to reach between 6.8 and 7 million metric tons this year. Officials highlighted a growing health concern, noting that nearly 40 percent of the country’s population suffers from diabetes or related illnesses, with excessive sugar consumption being a major contributing factor.

Lawmakers expressed concern that the rise in sugar intake is negatively affecting public health, leading to an increase in diabetes and heart disease cases across Pakistan. Health experts have warned that high sugar consumption creates insulin resistance in the body, further driving the number of diabetes patients upward. The government emphasized the need to raise public awareness and implement measures to control sugar consumption to curb these health risks.

In other updates, the National Assembly was informed that 781 acres of railway land were released between July 2024 and June 2025. Parliamentary Secretary Shahid Usman stated that two protocols have been signed with Russian Industrial Engineering Corporation to attempt the revival of steel mill operations, which have been closed since 2015. The government has allocated 700 acres of land to restore production at Pakistan Steel Mills.

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Member of the National Assembly Sharmila Farooqi highlighted that 7,709 employees were laid off following the mill closures, leaving many families in financial difficulty. She urged the government to ensure that the revival of steel mills also protects the rights of former employees.

The announcements underline the government’s dual focus on public health challenges and industrial revival to support both citizens’ wellbeing and economic growth.