Lawmakers back tax curbs on junk food

Proposal seeks 40% tax on sugary beverages and higher tobacco levies

RAWALPINDI:

The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) has secured the support of several Members of Parliament (MPs) for its campaign to impose higher taxes on unhealthy ultra-processed food and beverage products, following a post-budget consultative meeting focused on tackling Pakistan's growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

At the conclusion of the meeting, a number of parliamentarians endorsed PANAH's recommendations by signing a draft proposal calling for stronger fiscal measures to discourage the consumption of unhealthy products and improve public health outcomes.

The consultation was attended by MNAs Shazia Aslam Soomro, Shahida Rehmani, Ramesh Lal, Nazir Ahmed Bughio, Sadiq Ali Memon, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Sophia Saeed, Rana Ansar, Musarrat Rafiq, Riaz Fatyana, Dr Azeemuddin Zahid Lakhvi, Muhammad Saadullah and Owais Jakhar, along with former MNA Dr Nisar Cheema, Moazzam Ali Khan, PANAH Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman, and other participants.

The meeting expressed concern over the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan, warning that they had reached alarming levels. Participants were informed that more than 41% of adults in the country are overweight or obese, while over 35 million people are living with diabetes. Health experts cautioned that, without urgent intervention, the number of diabetes patients could rise to 70m by 2050.

Addressing the gathering, PANAH Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman said unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, were major contributors to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.

He stressed that taxation on unhealthy products is an internationally recognised, evidence-based policy that has proven effective in reducing consumption and improving public health.