Key facts
- Pakistan has removed an 18% sales tax on sanitary products.
- The removal was announced as part of the 2026-27 budget.
- The tax was often referred to as the 'period tax'.
- Campaigners and lawyers initiated a constitutional petition to challenge the tax.
- The move is expected to reduce the cost of menstrual products for millions of women.
Pakistan has eliminated an 18% sales tax on sanitary products, a move celebrated by activists and organizations working to combat period poverty. The tax, often referred to as the 'period tax,' had significantly increased the cost of menstrual products, making them unaffordable for a large portion of the female population.
Women's rights activist Mahnoor Omer and tax lawyer Ahsan Jahangir Khan filed a constitutional petition challenging the tax on grounds of equality and dignity. Their campaign gained thousands of signatures, and the government eventually dropped its defense of the tax, announcing its removal in the 2026-27 budget. This decision is expected to lower prices for millions of women and girls across Pakistan.
Campaigners like Bushra Mahnoor, founder of Mahwari Justice, highlighted the struggles faced by women, including rationing supplies and health risks associated with unhygienic alternatives. While acknowledging that removing the tax is a significant step, they emphasize that the fight for menstrual justice continues, particularly to achieve a full tax exemption and improve education around menstruation.
Prior to this change, menstrual products were classified as non-essential goods, while items like flavored yogurt were considered essential. The additional 25% customs duty on imported products further inflated prices. Several countries, including the UK, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, and Canada, have already removed taxes on menstrual products.