Period tax set to be abolished

Pakistan plans to abolish sales tax on sanitary products, making menstrual health essentials more affordable and supporting women’s health, dignity and equal participation in society.

“Sanitary towels and related items are daily necessities that are indispensable for women’s health, dignity and full participation in social activities,” said Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister.

The decision follows a successful campaign led by young lawyers Mahnoor Omer and Ahsan Jehangir Khan, who challenged the tax in court and gained widespread public support. Locally made period products currently carry an 18% sales tax, while imported products face an additional 25% customs duty. Campaigners and UN Women welcomed the announcement as an important step towards reducing period poverty, improving access to menstrual health products and helping more girls stay in school and women remain in work, while efforts continue to remove remaining charges and expand access to menstrual health services.