As a regular visitor to tea stalls close to a public library in Lahore, I have observed a positive trend among Pakistan’s young: a growing preference for tea with less sugar and stronger tea leaves. One frequently gets to hear the shout of “cheeni kamm, patti Taiz”. This shift, though small, has meaningful implications for public health and the economy. Pakistan has the third-highest number of diabetes cases globally, with over 33 million affected individuals. Reducing sugar intake is a simple and effective way to address the health crisis. Economically, this shift could ease pressure on demand, and stabilise the prices.

Wajahat Jadoon

Lahore