Pakistan Removes 18% Tax on Menstrual Products and Contraceptives

Pakistan's 2026-27 federal budget eliminates the general sales tax on menstrual hygiene products and contraceptives, moving them from luxury-goods classification to health essentials. The exemption addresses documented price barriers to contraceptive access in rural areas, where prevalence lags urban rates. Implementation details remain uncertain—prior tax reforms in comparable economies saw uneven price benefits, particularly in informal retail networks serving lower-income consumers.