Pakistan Eliminates Tax on Sanitary Products and Contraceptives

Pakistan’s federal government announced in the 2026‑27 budget that the 18 percent sales tax on sanitary pads, tampons, condoms and contraceptive medicines will be removed. The tax exemption is presented as a measure to lower costs for essential health products, improve access to menstrual hygiene items and support family‑planning initiatives.

Officials said the move aims to reduce the financial burden on women, families and healthcare consumers, and it has been welcomed by health experts and women’s‑rights advocates who view it as a step toward greater gender equity and public‑health outcomes. The impact on retail prices will become clearer as the budget proposals are finalized and implemented.