Pakistan Removes Sales Tax on Menstrual Products and Contraceptives

1-Minute Brief

The removal of the tax aims to address period poverty and improve access to essential health products for women.

Key Facts

• Pakistan has eliminated the 18% sales tax on menstrual products and contraceptives.
• Finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the policy change.
• Activists and campaigners have long advocated for the removal of taxes on these products.
• Campaigners had previously taken the government to court over the charges.
• Questions remain about whether the tax removal will result in lower prices for consumers.

What Happened

Pakistan's government announced the elimination of the sales tax on menstrual products and contraceptives, following advocacy from activists and campaigners.

Why It Matters

The policy change is seen as a step toward addressing period poverty and improving access to menstrual health products, which are considered essential for women's health and participation in society.

What's Next

Observers are watching to see if the removal of the tax will lead to actual price reductions for consumers, and campaigners say efforts to end period poverty will continue.