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Pakistan to Eliminate Sales Tax on Sanitary Products Following Legal Challenge

KVIA•Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:29 PM•CNN Newsource

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The Pakistani government has announced plans to abolish the 18% sales tax on sanitary products and contraceptives, a significant move aimed at improving women's health and addressing social stigmas. This decision follows a legal challenge by young lawyers Ahsan Jehangir Khan and Mahnoor Omer, who argued that menstrual products should be classified as essential goods. Currently, only 12% of women in Pakistan use commercial sanitary products, with many relying on homemade alternatives due to high costs. The government's proposal is seen as a step towards reproductive justice, though advocates emphasize that further action is needed to eliminate all related taxes and support the most vulnerable populations. The case is set for final arguments, which could lead to broader tax reforms.

Key Details: • The sales tax on sanitary products will be abolished as part of the fiscal budget. • Only 12% of women in Pakistan currently use commercial sanitary products. • The case by Khan and Omer is ongoing, with final arguments expected soon. • Advocates are pushing for the complete removal of all taxes on menstrual products.

health legal-challenge women-rights reproductive-justice sanitary-products

People & Organizations

PakistanMahnoor OmerAhsan Jehangir KhanUNICEFMuhammad AurangzebUN WomenMahwari Justice

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