‘Period tax’ on sanitary products to be abolished, says Pakistan minister
Summary
Pakistan’s government announced it will remove the sales tax on sanitary products like sanitary towels, calling them essential for women’s health and participation in society. The change follows a court case and campaign by young lawyers, and the government will also abolish the tax on contraceptives to support family planning.Key Facts
- Pakistan’s finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said sanitary products are daily necessities and plans to remove their sales tax.
- The current sales tax on locally made sanitary products is 18%, with imported ones also facing a 25% customs tax.
- Two young lawyers filed a court case to make sanitary products tax-free, calling the taxes a “pink tax” on women.
- Most Pakistani women cannot afford commercial sanitary products and use cloth or homemade alternatives, which may be unsafe.
- UN Women supported the tax removal, saying it helps women keep jobs and girls stay in school.
- The government will also remove the 18% sales tax on contraceptives due to concerns about population growth.
- Advocates say this move is a positive step but more work is needed to ensure access to safe products and reduce stigma around menstruation.
- Family planning is a stated priority for Pakistan’s government as the country faces rapid population growth.
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