Tax-Free Sanitary Pads Proposed in Budget 2026-27 in Pakistan
The federal government has proposed abolishing the 18% sales tax on sanitary pads and other essential women's health products in the Budget 2026-27.
The measure aims to make menstrual hygiene products more affordable for millions of women across Pakistan.
The proposal comes after years of criticism over the so-called period tax and demands from health experts and rights advocates to classify sanitary pads as essential items rather than luxury goods. Previous efforts to remove the tax faced financial constraints.
According to reports and advocacy groups, taxes, duties, and levies have added up to 40% to the retail price of sanitary pads in Pakistan.
This has made menstrual hygiene products unaffordable for many women, particularly those from low-income households. Women constitute nearly 48.5% of Pakistan's population, representing around 151 million people.
Despite this, access to affordable menstrual products has remained a challenge, especially in rural areas where only 16.2% of women reportedly use sanitary pads. Health experts have long argued that menstrual hygiene products.
Limited access to sanitary products affects both health and education. Studies cited by campaigners indicate that one in five Pakistani girls misses school during menstruation because of inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities.
Many women and girls resort to using cloth or unsafe alternatives, increasing the risk of infections and other health complications.
UNICEF estimates that only about one in ten girls and women in Pakistan regularly use commercially manufactured menstrual products. Supporters of the tax exemption believe lower prices.
The decision to make sanitary pads tax-free is being viewed as a major policy shift aimed at promoting dignity, health, and gender equality.
Advocates have argued that menstruation is a biological necessity and products associated with it should not be subjected to additional taxes.
The proposal follows growing public campaigns and legal efforts challenging the taxation of menstrual products.
Activists have maintained that such taxes disproportionately affect women and increase financial burdens on families. Many observers regard the initiative as a significant milestone.
The federal government has proposed abolishing the 18% sales tax on sanitary pads and other essential women’s health products in the Budget 2026-27.
The federal government has proposed abolishing the 18% sales tax on sanitary pads and other essential women's health products in the Budget 2026-27.
The measure aims to make menstrual hygiene products more affordable for millions of women across Pakistan.
The proposal comes after years of criticism over the so-called period tax and demands from health experts and rights advocates to classify sanitary pads as essential items rather than luxury goods. Previous efforts to remove the tax faced financial constraints.
According to reports and advocacy groups, taxes, duties, and levies have added up to 40% to the retail price of sanitary pads in Pakistan.
This has made menstrual hygiene products unaffordable for many women, particularly those from low-income households. Women constitute nearly 48.5% of Pakistan's population, representing around 151 million people.
Despite this, access to affordable menstrual products has remained a challenge, especially in rural areas where only 16.2% of women reportedly use sanitary pads. Health experts have long argued that menstrual hygiene products.
Limited access to sanitary products affects both health and education. Studies cited by campaigners indicate that one in five Pakistani girls misses school during menstruation because of inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities.
Many women and girls resort to using cloth or unsafe alternatives, increasing the risk of infections and other health complications.
UNICEF estimates that only about one in ten girls and women in Pakistan regularly use commercially manufactured menstrual products. Supporters of the tax exemption believe lower prices.
The decision to make sanitary pads tax-free is being viewed as a major policy shift aimed at promoting dignity, health, and gender equality.
Advocates have argued that menstruation is a biological necessity and products associated with it should not be subjected to additional taxes.
The proposal follows growing public campaigns and legal efforts challenging the taxation of menstrual products.
Activists have maintained that such taxes disproportionately affect women and increase financial burdens on families. Many observers regard the initiative as a significant milestone.
