Pakistan Heart Association Calls for 20% FED on Ultra-Processed Foods, 40% Tax on Sweetened Beverages to Curb Diabetes Crisis.

Pakistan is facing a growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with over 41 percent of adults overweight or obese and more than 35 million people living with diabetes. Experts warn that without urgent action, diabetes cases could rise to 70 million by 2050. To address this public health crisis, the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) organized a post-budget sensitization session with parliamentarians in Murree. The session aimed to highlight the burden of NCDs and seek parliamentary support for evidence-based policies to promote healthier diets and reduce disease risks.

High-Level Legislative Participation

The event was attended by a prominent delegation of lawmakers and public health advocates, including:

• MNA Shazia Aslama Soomro
• MNA Shahida Rehmani
• MNA Ramesh Lal
• MNA Nazir Ahmed Bughio
• MNA Sadiq Ali MEMON
• MNA Haji Rasool Buksh Chandio
• MNA Khurshid Ahmed Junejo
• MNA Samina Khalid Ghurki
• MNA Sofia Saeed
• MNA Rana Ansar
• MNA Musarrat Rafique
• MNA Riaz Fatiana
• MNA Dr. Azim ud Din Zahid Lakhvi
• MNA Muhammad Saadullah
• MNA Awais Jakhar
• Ex-MNA Dr. Nisar Cheema
• MNA Moazzam Ali Khan
• PANAH General Secretary Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman

Addressing Dietary Risks and Fiscal Interventions

Speaking at the session, PANAH highlighted that unhealthy diets, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed products containing excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are among the leading risk factors contributing to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other NCDs. PANAH emphasized that fiscal measures, including taxation of unhealthy products, are globally recognized and evidence-based interventions that effectively reduce consumption and improve public health outcomes.

PANAH welcomed the Government’s decision in the Finance Bill 2026-27 to impose GST on several ultra-processed products, describing it as a positive step toward discouraging unhealthy consumption. However, the organization expressed concern over the taxation of certain healthier food products and urged policymakers to ensure that fiscal policies are imposed on the basis of scientific evidences. PANAH called on parliamentarians to support stronger fiscal measures, including health taxes on all sweetened beverages and other ultra-processed products. Such measures can help reduce disease burden, save healthcare costs, and generate revenue for public health initiatives.

Parliamentary Commitment and Demands

The parliamentarians attending the session expressed serious concern over the rapidly increasing prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan and recognized the urgent need for preventive interventions. They appreciated PANAH’s continued efforts to promote public health and pledged their support for evidence-based policies aimed at reducing dietary risks and protecting future generations from preventable diseases.

The session concluded with a recommendation letter signed by all MNAs to the Finance Minister demanding the following structural policy revisions:

• Sweetened Beverages Tax Hike: Increase taxes on sweetened beverages, including packaged and fresh fruit juices, to 40% in the Finance Bill.
• FED on Ultra-Processed Products: Impose a 20% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on other ultra-processed products in the Finance Bill.
• Tobacco Taxation and Restrictions: Increase taxes on cigarette packs to Rs. 30 per packet and impose a complete ban on heated tobacco products.