Pakistan Removes Tax on Sanitary Products and Contraceptives
Pakistan's government has announced the removal of sales tax on women's hygiene products and contraceptives, a move hailed as a major relief measure. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the decision on Sunday, stating that the tax on these essential items has been reduced from 18 percent to 0 percent for the upcoming fiscal year.
Long-Standing Demand Met
Women's rights organizations and activists in Pakistan have long campaigned for the abolition of the so-called "period tax." This additional charge on sanitary pads, tampons, and other hygiene products made them unaffordable for many, particularly in rural and impoverished areas. According to UNICEF, the tax previously added up to 40 percent to the retail price of sanitary pads.
Tarar addressed lawmakers in the National Assembly, saying, "Regarding women, it was a massive demand in this country to end the pink tax. Today, the tax on their hygiene products has been reduced to 0 percent from 18 percent." He also emphasized that population control is a serious challenge, and the waiver on contraceptives aims to address this issue.
Relief Budget for Prosperity
The information minister described the budget as a "relief budget" that paves the way for an era of prosperity. The tax exemption applies to both sanitary products and contraceptives, signaling the government's commitment to public health and women's welfare.
Activists Applaud the Move
Mahwari Justice, a prominent organization fighting for menstrual equity and reproductive rights, welcomed the development. "This is a welcome development for millions of menstruators across Pakistan," the group said on Instagram.
Mahnoor Omer, a Pakistani women's rights activist named among TIME magazine's 'Women of the Year' for 2026, also expressed gratitude. "Thank you so much for the support," Omer said on Instagram, acknowledging the public's backing in the fight against the period tax.
