Pakistan has achieved an important public health victory by adopting a best-practice regulation to eliminate industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) from all food products.

In March 2025, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) passed a new national standard that limits trans fats to no more than 2 grams per 100 grams on all edible oils, fats and food products, aligning with WHO guidelines for best-practice policy. The regulation represents a major advancement for a country where iTFAs have contributed to rising rates of heart disease and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

“Pakistan's adoption of this comprehensive standard also positions the country as a global leader in food policy reform—especially significant as South Asia continues to battle high burdens of diet-related disease.” - Carmen Gorlick, NCD Alliance consultant on iTFAs.

Impact of stakeholder collaboration

This policy win reflects a collective effort by government, civil society, think tanks and policy makers. The limit on trans fats showcases leadership on NCDs and the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the health of its 240+ million citizens. This victory was made possible through the dedicated efforts of local civil-society partners—including CPDI, PYCA, and Heartfile—who raised awareness about the topic with policymakers, mobilised communities and leveraged media interest in the topic. With 64% of Pakistan’s population under 30, youth also played a pivotal role in driving public support of the new regulation. The “Transform Pakistan” youth coalition energised a national movement for healthier food systems.

Development of the regulation over time

The journey to achieving a comprehensive trans-fat regulation started in June 2023 with standards covering just six food categories. The standard was expanded significantly in September 2024 to 58 categories. With the new March 2025 standard, Pakistan has now established a single standard covering all foods—a global best practice.