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A new study claims that Pakistan has been largely successful in controlling infectious diseases over the years, but the country now struggles with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer as causes of premature death.

The study was conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine in collaboration with the Aga Khan University and the federal Department of Health.

According to the study, five non-communicable diseases – heart disease, stroke, birth defects, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease – are among the top 10 causes of premature death in Pakistan.

However, the study also noted that Pakistan"s efforts have led to an increase in life expectancy from 61.1 years to 65.9 years over the past 30 years. Despite this progress, life expectancy in Pakistan is still lower than the global average.

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The study also warned that NCDs will be the leading cause of death in Pakistan by 2040 and the country will continue to face infectious diseases.

She said Pakistan, with a population close to 225 million, also faces the challenges of climate change and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. These events influenced major health policies and reforms in the country.

The study also pointed out that Pakistan"s health problems have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and last summer"s devastating floods.

The study adds that pollution has been a major contributor to disease in recent years, citing smog in Lahore, which has earned the title of the world"s most polluted city.

The researchers suggested that Pakistan should focus on addressing infectious diseases and controlling the rise of non-communicable diseases to move towards universal health coverage.