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Pakistan Drops Sales Tax on Pads, Customs Duty Remains

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced removal of sales tax on menstrual products in the 2026-27 budget.
Human-rights lawyer Mahnoor Omer and tax lawyer Ahsan Jahangir Khan filed a petition that forced the government to drop the levy.
Activists note a 25 percent customs duty still inflates prices, while UNICEF praised the tax removal but campaigners warn it will only lower costs for the 12 percent of Pakistani women who can afford pads.

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Story summary

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced removal of sales tax on menstrual products in the 2026-27 budget.
Human-rights lawyer Mahnoor Omer and tax lawyer Ahsan Jahangir Khan filed a petition that forced the government to drop the levy.
Activists note a 25 percent customs duty still inflates prices, while UNICEF praised the tax removal but campaigners warn it will only lower costs for the 12 percent of Pakistani women who can afford pads.