ISLAMABAD: Civil society groups and health experts have criticized the federal budget 2025–26 for failing to increase taxes on ultra-processed products (UPPs), while imposing additional levies on essential commodities like fuel.
Labeling it an “anti-public health budget,” they argue that the government’s fiscal choices favor corporate interests over public well-being.
They have urged lawmakers to introduce at least a 20 percent federal excise duty on UPPs during the ongoing budget approval phase.
NCD Crisis Ignored by Budget Planners
With a Pakistani suffering a heart attack every minute, and over 1,100 deaths reported daily from diabetes and its complications, experts warn that Pakistan is facing a national health emergency.
Health professionals highlight UPPs as a major driver of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including obesity, cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
These processed foods contain high levels of sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and trans-fats, making them particularly harmful.
Experts believe taxing such products could reduce consumption and fund better healthcare infrastructure.
Civil Society Calls for Bold Fiscal Action
These concerns were voiced at a media event organized by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), in collaboration with Heartfile, CPDI, PYCA, and other health advocacy groups.
Speakers criticized the government for cutting the health budget by 16 percent compared to previous years.
Sanaullah Ghumman of PANAH emphasized the dangers of UPPs like biscuits, candies, bakery goods, and sodas, calling for stronger taxation policies.
Ghulam Abbas from the Pakistan Kidney Patients Association added that missing this tax opportunity risks millions of lives.
The session ended with a united demand to align budgetary policies with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to cut premature deaths from NCDs through prevention and treatment.
