President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pledge Pakistan's commitment to fight cancer

Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): On the occasion of World Cancer Day being observed today (February 04), President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have pledged nation’s commitment to global efforts to fight cancer.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said that as a nation and as part of the global community, we reaffirmed our commitment to the fight against cancer.

“This day is a reminder of the profound challenges posed by this disease and an opportunity to inspire hope through collective action, innovation, and resilience,”

The president said that it is essential to recognise the gravity of this disease as it is one of the largest causes of death.

“Rapid urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and limited awareness had further compounded this challenge. This calls for renewed commitment and intensified efforts to alleviate the burden of this disease,” he added.

“The government of Pakistan, in collaboration with provincial governments, healthcare institutions, and global partners, is making efforts to address this issue. We have initiated measures to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure, conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of cancer interventions, develop national and provincial cancer strategies, and mobilise resources through innovative public-private partnerships,” the president said.

He said that cancer is not only a health issue but also a societal challenge requiring collective efforts, stressing that they needed to raise awareness about the disease and, in this regard, the support of the media was highly important to educate the people about its symptoms, prevention and early detection.

“I firmly believe that we can overcome this challenge through the active support of civil society, media, community-based organizations, and international partners. On this occasion, I urge all citizens, healthcare professionals, civil society, and the private sector to join hands in this noble cause. Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and compassionate care,” President Zardari said.

The president said that we should pledge to make cancer prevention and control a national priority, expressing his confidence that together, we can bring hope and healing to those affected and honour the lives of those who had been lost to this disease.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan stands in solidarity with people around the world to raise awareness, inspire action, and reaffirm its commitment to combating cancer – globally the second leading cause of death.

In a message on World Cancer Day, the premier said, “Pakistan has made significant progress in cancer research, treatment, and patient care. Advances in medical science, early detection, and improved healthcare facilities have contributed to better outcomes for cancer patients. However, cancer remains a major public health challenge, and we must continue our collective efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease effectively.”

“While there are some risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and environmental influences, that may be beyond our control, there are important steps we can take to reduce the risk of cancer. Timely identification, effective treatment, and regular exercise can help prevent this disease, as early diagnosis is crucial for its effective management, and I urge all Pakistanis to seek timely medical consultation and screenings,” he added.

He said that the government of Pakistan remains committed to strengthening cancer care infrastructure, investing in research, and ensuring access to affordable and quality treatment for all.

“We continue to work in partnership with healthcare professionals, researchers, and international organizations to enhance our capacity for cancer prevention and treatment. Pakistan recognizes the importance of global cooperation in tackling this menace, and we have done meaningful and result oriented collaborations with the international community in advancing research, innovation, and medical breakthroughs.”

The prime minister said, “On this day, we reiterate our government’s commitment toward ensuring early detection and affordable treatment of cancer.”

He invited all stakeholders to join in efforts to promote awareness regarding cancer, support those affected, and take proactive steps toward a healthier, cancer-free future for the nation.