Pakistan is facing a growing non-communicable disease crisis with over 41 percent of adults overweight or obese and more than 35 million people living with diabetes, figures that experts warn could surge to 70 million by 2050 without urgent action. In response, the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) held a post-budget sensitization session in Murree to press parliamentarians for stronger fiscal measures, including a health tax on ultra processed products.
The session brought together a cross-section of lawmakers and health advocates. Attendees included MNA Shazia Aslama Soomro, MNA Shahida Rehmani, MNA Ramesh Lal, MNA Nazir Ahmed Bughio, MNA Sadiq Ali Memon, MNA Haji Rasool Buksh Chandio, MNA Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, MNA Samina Khalid Ghurki, MNA Sofia Saeed, MNA Rana Ansar, MNA Musarrat Rafique, MNA Riaz Fatiana, MNA Dr. Azim ud Din Zahid Lakhvi, MNA Muhammad Saadullah, MNA Awais Jakhar, Ex-MNA Dr. Nisar Cheema, MNA Moazzam Ali Khan and PANAH General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman.
PANAH emphasised that unhealthy diets, particularly the rising consumption of ultra processed products high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, are key drivers of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The organisation argued that a targeted health tax is an evidence-based fiscal tool that can discourage unhealthy consumption, improve population diets and generate revenue for prevention and care.
While welcoming the Finance Bill 2026-27 decision to apply GST to several ultra processed products as a positive step, PANAH voiced concern over the taxation of certain healthier food items and urged that fiscal measures be guided by scientific evidence. The association asked parliamentarians to support comprehensive health tax measures covering all sweetened beverages and other ultra processed products to reduce disease burden and ease long-term healthcare costs.
The session concluded with a recommendation letter signed by the participating MNAs to the Finance Minister calling for increasing taxes on sweetened beverages, including packaged and fresh fruit juices, to 40 percent in the Finance Bill and imposing a 20 percent FED on other ultra processed products. The letter also requested raising the cigarette tax to Rs 30 per pack and imposing a complete ban on heated tobacco products, underscoring a unified parliamentary concern over rising NCD rates and a commitment to preventive policy action.
