Burden Of Non-Communicable Diseases in Pakistan: A Global Review

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now a leading cause of premature mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) carrying a disproportionate share of the burden. Pakistan is undergoing a critical epidemiological transition and faces a double burden of communicable and non-communicable disease, while its NCD infrastructure remains insufficient. To evaluate the contemporary burden of major NCDs in Pakistan—particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases—and to examine epidemiological indicators, common risk factors, and health-system responses within a global comparative context. PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched for peer-reviewed reviews, observational studies, and global health estimates published up to March 2026. The synthesis focused on prevalence, attributable mortality, major risk factors, and structural constraints within the health system. NCDs account for approximately 58%–60% of annual deaths in Pakistan. The rising burden is associated with widespread hypertension, rapidly increasing diabetes prevalence, tobacco use, and unplanned urbanization. An effective response will require stronger primary healthcare, sustainable multisectoral financing, and consistent implementation of evidence-based prevention and screening strategies.