Latest news with #JakobLinulf
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Experts warn of obesity surge in Pakistan
Health experts have expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in obesity and depression among Pakistan's youth, revealing that approximately 38 million people across the country are affected by obesity. The issue was brought into focus at a seminar titled "Unprecedented Partnerships for a Healthier Tomorrow," aimed at raising public awareness and promoting collaborative efforts to combat obesity in Pakistan. Addressing the seminar, Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, underscored the vital role of partnerships in addressing global health challenges such as obesity. "Tackling obesity requires collective action. Danish companies like Novo Nordisk are contributing significantly to Pakistan's healthcare landscape. I am confident that this collaboration will leave a lasting positive impact on public health in Pakistan. A unified strategy is essential to counter the growing threat of chronic diseases like obesity," he said. Dr Javed Akram, President of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, highlighted the severity of the problem, stating: "Nearly 38m people in Pakistan are currently living with obesitya condition now recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization. Its impact extends beyond individual well-being, posing significant challenges to public health infrastructure." Rashid Rafiq Butt, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, presented advancements in obesity treatment, saying: "We have introduced an innovative GLP-1-based therapy, which is already helping millions worldwide in managing weight effectively. However, to address obesity comprehensively in Pakistan, we must adopt a coordinated approach involving government bodies, institutions, communities, and non-governmental organizations."
Business Recorder
25-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Experts urge awareness, junk food tax to curb obesity, cut health costs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can significantly reduce national health expenditure by controlling obesity by creating awareness and taxing unhealthy junk foods including sugary drinks, health experts in a media talk revealed here on Thursday. Speaking at an event organised by Novo Nordisk Pakistan titled, 'Unordinary Partnerships to Shape a Healthier Tomorrow' that brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and leaders to address the crucial issue of serious chronic diseases, particularly obesity, which impacts millions across Pakistan. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf, along with the senior management of Novo Nordisk Pakistan. Speaking at the occasion, Jakob Linulf, the Danish ambassador to Pakistan, emphasised on the importance of collaboration, in healthcare by Danish companies like Novo Nordisk operating in Pakistan. He said, 'Partnerships are essential in the fight against obesity. Together, we can foster a healthier society and defeat obesity. I am confident that this culture will continue to positively impact the people of Pakistan'. He said that tackling the issue of diabetes will help increase life expectancy by 10 years from 67 to 77 years, besides increasing productivity. The health experts said that in all the developed countries refined sugar was heavily taxed as it only damages human health with zero benefits, while in Pakistan the government was providing subsidies to the sugar industry. They said that only through creating awareness and controlling the mass use of sugar, the country can save up to $2.6 billion which is being used for the treatment of obesity-related diseases. They further said that obesity is a direct impact of sugary drinks which in Pakistan was responsible for 400,000 deaths annually, higher than smoking. Pakistan at present is ranking third globally on diabetes and top-ranked on account of spreading sugar-related health issues. They said that obesity and non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes and heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan to deal with the situation, immediate policy measures including increasing taxes on sugary drinks to prevent further losses are inevitable. They said as per International Diabetes Federation, 'Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of diabetes worldwide with 33 million people living with the disease. In addition, Pakistan is unfortunately the world number 1 country with fastest growth of diabetes over the last one decade. If no immediate policy measures are taken, the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million in Pakistan by 2045.' The cost of diabetes management in 2021 had reached to $2.640 billion in Pakistan which has serious consequence on the economy. Increased consumption of sugary drinks is among the major contributors to rapid spread of diabetes. The research proved that increasing tax on sugary drinks is an evidence-based strategy to reduce their consumption, obesity and diabetes. Rashed Rafique Butt, general manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, shared the organisation 100-year legacy of embracing new ideas and different approaches to defeat serious chronic disease which is reflected in their new corporate brand platform - Unordinary Drives Change. He stated, 'Having pioneered scientific breakthroughs, and with over 25 years of obesity research, our GLP-1 treatment supports millions in achieving effective weight loss. Addressing obesity requires collaboration and concerted efforts with diverse network of organizations and stakeholders including government, associations, communities and NGOs—to overcome barriers and drive real change for a healthier future for all'. Highlighting the urgent need for action, Dr Javed Akram, president Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, emphasised that obesity affects nearly 38 million people in Pakistan and is classified as a disease by the World Health Organization. He acknowledged the extensive impact of obesity on both individuals and the healthcare system. Dr AH Amir, president Pakistan Society of Obesity urged the stakeholders to prioritise countering obesity in the public health discussions, advocating for an inclusive approach that promotes prevention and management while combating the stigma around obesity through effective media campaigns. The event concluded with a unified call to action, encouraging attendees to raise awareness and build collaborative efforts to combat the obesity epidemic in Pakistan. Novo Nordisk Pakistan remains committed to dedicated to leading the way in defeating obesity where healthier, longer lives are not just a possibility for some, but a reality for many. Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Denmark to launch 3-year SSC programme with Pak power sector
ISLAMABAD: Denmark is set to launch a new three-year Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) programme with Pakistan's power sector, aimed at strengthening the technical capacity of key national energy institutions. According to Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf, the initiative—implemented by the Danish Energy Agency (DEA)—will commence on January 1, 2026. The program is designed to support Pakistan's transition to a more efficient and sustainable energy system. The SSC program will focus on three key areas - long-term sector modelling and planning; integration of variable renewable energy; and energy efficiency in the industrial sector Energy sector: Minister, Danish envoy agree to enhance bilateral cooperation To formally initiate the partnership, a high-level Danish delegation led by Carl-Christian Munk-Nielsen, Director of Global Cooperation at the DEA, will visit Pakistan from August 18 to 22, 2025. The purpose of the visit is to engage with relevant stakeholders, introduce the SSC program, and better understand the structure, goals, and mandates of Pakistan's energy authorities—especially in light of recent institutional restructuring. These discussions will help shape future training sessions and workshops under the cooperation program. Referring to the unbundling of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) into the National Grid Company (NGC), Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), and Energy Infrastructure Development & Management Company (EIDMC), Ambassador Linulf noted that all three entities are seen as key partners in the new SSC initiative. In this regard, the Danish Embassy has requested that the relevant Pakistani authorities facilitate meetings between the visiting delegation and the management of NGC, ISMO, and EIDMC on August 18, 2025. The Danish Ambassador emphasized that these interactions will provide an opportunity to present the objectives of the SSC program and gather critical feedback to guide future collaboration. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Denmark push $2b partnership
Pakistan and Denmark on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to boosting global trade competitiveness through a $2 billion partnership aimed at modernising Pakistan's maritime infrastructure, improving port operations, and promoting sustainable practices. The commitment was reiterated during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf. According to an official press statement, the two sides agreed to expedite implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year, with Danish shipping giant AP MollerMaersk leading the investment drive. The discussions focused on upgrading logistics infrastructure and integrating green maritime technologies such as renewable energy-powered ports and energy-efficient shipping. Both parties emphasised workforce development and strengthening cultural ties as part of their broader cooperation. The statement noted that Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc is expected to visit Pakistan this week and hold meetings with the prime minister and senior government officials. Chaudhry said that steps are being taken to adopt sustainable maritime technologies to cut emissions and boost environmental efficiency at Pakistani ports. Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, would be integrated into port operations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. He further stated that training would be provided to maritime professionals to manage eco-friendly vessels and port facilities. "These initiatives will position Pakistan as a responsible trading partner while fostering long-term economic and environmental sustainability," he said. Highlighting the economic benefits, the minister added that adopting green shipping practices will improve Pakistan's brand image globally and enhance export competitiveness by lowering operational costs.
Express Tribune
29-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan to leverage Danish mining technology
Listen to article Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday held a meeting with Denmark Ambassador Jakob Linulf, where they discussed how to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a special emphasis on the mining sector and technological collaboration. The meeting highlighted the critical role of Danish expertise in the mining and mineral sector. In particular, the contribution of FLSmidth, a global leader in sustainable mining technology and equipment, was recognised for its potential to modernise Pakistan's mining operations. FLSmidth's advanced solutions for cement production, mineral processing and decarbonisation align with Pakistan's goals of increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact in its extractive industries. Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed keen interest in leveraging Danish technology and investment to optimise resource extraction and processing as Pakistan had significant mineral reserves. He extended his support to facilitate Danish investment and technology transfer in the mining sector. He also emphasised the government's commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment and invited Danish companies, including FLSmidth, to explore partnerships with local firms during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled for April 8-9, 2025. The ambassador reaffirmed Denmark's support for energy transition and industrial growth and it was looking forward to participating in the minerals forum. FLSmidth will launch a training programme named BRIMM (Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining) under which 100 Pakistani engineers will be provided training. FLSmidth has already entered into five partnership agreements in Pakistan's mineral sector.
