Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri has voiced concerns about the potential health risks associated with energy drinks, claiming that consuming Red Bull could lead to a heart attack. She made the remarks during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology while urging authorities to tighten regulations on beverages containing high levels of sugar and caffeine.
Sharing a personal experience, Senator Zehri said her father became seriously ill after drinking Red Bull and had to be taken to the hospital. She cited the incident as an example while stressing the need for greater oversight of energy drinks available in the market.
The committee, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, discussed the increasing popularity of energy drinks among children and teenagers. Members expressed concern that these beverages are being consumed widely by young people and warned that excessive intake could pose health risks.
During the meeting, officials informed lawmakers that mixing energy drinks with certain easily available syrups could produce intoxicating effects similar to narcotic substances. The committee noted that such practices require closer monitoring by the relevant authorities.
Senator Zehri also highlighted the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, saying it contributes to rising cases of diabetes and unhealthy dietary habits among children. She referred to the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which she introduced in the Senate on May 19, 2025.
The proposed legislation aims to regulate the sale and consumption of high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages, particularly among children and adolescents in Islamabad. It also seeks to encourage healthier alternatives and strengthen the implementation of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021.
Representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority informed the committee that many of the proposed provisions already exist under current laws. They recommended incorporating any necessary changes into the existing legal framework instead of creating overlapping regulations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Chairman Senator Kamil Ali Agha directed the relevant departments to submit a detailed report on the ingredients used in energy drinks, along with a scientific assessment of their health effects. The committee will review the findings before considering any future regulatory measures.
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