Leading medical and patient associations across Pakistan have written to senior government officials urging an
increase in federal excise duty to 40 percent on all sweetened beverages in the Finance Bill 2026–27. The coalition, which includes the Pakistan National Heart Association, Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan Youth Change Advocates, Heartfile, Pakistan Kidney Patients Association, Pakistan Association of Family Physicians and the Diabetic Association of Pakistan, called for a stronger beverage tax as part of a wider strategy to tackle non-communicable diseases.
The groups sent letters to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Health Minister, the Minister for National Food Security and Research and members of the National Assembly and Senate health committees, highlighting alarming national health indicators. Citing the International Diabetes Federation, they noted nearly 35 million Pakistanis are living with diabetes, with millions more undiagnosed or at high risk, and more than 1,100 deaths each day linked to diabetes and its complications. The letters warned that the annual cost of diabetes management has risen to 2.6 billion, nearly double the IMF annual program.
Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary of PANAH, said fiscal measures recommended by the World Health Organization are an effective way to prevent obesity, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. He stressed that a comprehensive beverage tax would curb excessive sugar consumption from drinks, including packaged juices that are often assumed to be a healthier choice.
The correspondence referenced substantial evidence connecting sweetened beverage consumption to higher rates of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and kidney disease. Experts also raised concerns about misleading industry claims that position juices as a healthy alternative, noting such assertions conflict with WHO guidance. The World Health Organization advises taxing all sweetened beverages regardless of whether sugars are added, naturally occurring or replaced with non-sugar sweeteners.
Ghumman warned that any tax relief for juices or similar products could create a false impression that these drinks are safe for regular consumption, potentially increasing intake and undermining public health efforts. The associations urged policymakers to resist pressure from segments of the food and beverage industry seeking concessions.
The groups recommended that federal excise duty be raised to 40 percent on all sweetened beverages, including carbonated drinks, packaged juices, sweetened tea and coffee beverages, flavored milk and chocolate drinks, arguing that the measure would help reduce the growing burden of NCDs while generating revenue that could be directed to public health and social protection programmes.
