ISLAMABAD: A coalition of leading medical and public health organizations in Pakistan has formally appealed to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other key policymakers to substantially increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on all sweetened beverages to at least 40 percent in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The appeal is backed by prominent health advocacy and research bodies, including the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan Youth Change Advocates, Heartfile, Pakistan Kidney Patients Association, Pakistan Association of Family Physicians, and the Diabetic Association of Pakistan. These organizations urge the government to adopt stronger fiscal measures on sugary drinks as part of a comprehensive strategy to address Pakistan's escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Alarming Diabetes Statistics
In their correspondence to lawmakers, the organizations warned that Pakistan is facing one of the highest diabetes burdens globally. Citing data from the International Diabetes Federation, they stated that nearly 35 million people in the country are living with diabetes, while a significant number remain undiagnosed or are at high risk of developing the disease. The groups further noted that diabetes-related complications are reportedly contributing to over 1,100 deaths daily, placing severe pressure on households, the healthcare system, and the national economy. They also estimated that the annual cost of diabetes management has risen to around $2.6 billion, describing it as a substantial economic strain.
Global Recommendations and Scientific Evidence
Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary of PANAH, emphasized that the World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently recommended fiscal interventions, including taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, as an effective tool to reduce obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other diet-related illnesses. He stressed that sugars present in soft drinks and even fruit juices significantly contribute to excessive sugar intake, thereby increasing health risks. The letters also reference a growing body of scientific evidence linking the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and packaged juices to rising cases of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions.
Concerns Over Industry Claims
Concerns were also raised over what the organizations described as attempts by segments of the beverage industry to portray fruit juices as a healthy alternative. They argued that such claims are not supported by scientific evidence and contradict WHO guidance. The WHO, they noted, recommends taxation on all sugar-sweetened beverages irrespective of whether sugars are added, naturally occurring, or replaced with non-sugar sweeteners. “Providing any tax relief on juices or similar products risks misleading consumers,” said Ghumman. “Such concessions may be interpreted as an endorsement that these products are safe for regular consumption, which contradicts established scientific evidence and public health recommendations.”
Call for Action
PANAH and allied organizations have also sent copies of their appeal to the Minister for Health, the Minister for National Food Security and Research, as well as chairpersons and members of relevant parliamentary standing committees. They have urged policymakers to resist lobbying pressure from segments of the juice industry seeking tax relief. The groups have called for the Federal Excise Duty on all sweetened beverages to be raised to 40 percent in the Finance Bill 2026-27, covering carbonated drinks, packaged juices, sweetened tea and coffee beverages, flavoured milk, chocolate drinks, and similar products. They argue that such a measure would not only help curb the rising burden of NCDs but also generate additional revenue for investment in public health and social protection programmes.
