Babies have some specific requirements that every parent must fulfill for the health and growth of the baby. These include diapers, baby formula milk, baby clothes, baby cot or bedding among other things.
The requirement for these items is high during the first few years of the baby and these items are only bought in the first few years by parents. Therefore, the cost of these items burden parents during the first few years.
At a time when inflation is already making basic necessities unaffordable for many, this additional tax on essential baby items puts further strain on young families. For low- and middle-income households in particular, it means having to compromise on either quality or quantity — choices that can directly impact a baby’s well-being. Supporting parents during this critical stage not only benefits individual families but also contributes to healthier future generations.
The Government of Pakistan has for some reason imposed 18% GST tax on these items, which makes them more expensive and increases the costs for new parents. It is therefore requested that the Government of Pakistan kindly end all taxes on baby use items to help parents and new babies enjoy a better quality of life.
Shahryar Khan Baseer
Islamabad
