25/06/2026 23:41 - Sociales
On June 17, 2026, Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb officially announced the abolition of the controversial "period tax" — a levy that had long treated menstrual products as luxury items rather than essential health necessities.
This landmark decision comes after an inspiring campaign led by two determined young lawyers: Mahnoor Omer (25) and Ahsan Jehangir Khan (29), who filed a landmark lawsuit in 2025 demanding tax exemptions for menstrual products.
| Product Type | Previous Tax | New Status |
|---|---|---|
| Local menstrual products | 18% sales tax | Exempt |
| Imported menstrual products | 18% sales + 25% customs | Exempt |
| Contraceptives | 18% sales tax | Exempt |
According to UNICEF, only a small minority of women in Pakistan use commercial menstrual products due to their high cost. Most rely on cloth or homemade alternatives, which can be unsafe and increase the risk of infections.
UN Women emphasized that "menstrual health is a matter of health, dignity, and equality — not a luxury." This measure will help women stay in the workforce and allow girls to continue their education without interruption.
Lawyers Mahnoor Omer and Ahsan Jehangir Khan argued that taxing menstrual products constituted a form of gender discrimination — explicitly labeling it as a "pink tax" on women.
Mahnoor Omer celebrated the announcement while emphasizing that "the fight is definitely not over", pledging to continue pushing for the removal of all additional financial burdens on menstrual products.
Bushra Mahnoor, executive director of Mahwari Justice — a Pakistani organization advocating for menstrual rights — called the decision "just one step toward fighting menstrual poverty" in the country.
The activist noted that the most valuable effect of this measure may be the destigmatization of menstruation, though she acknowledged that safe sanitary products remain inaccessible for the most vulnerable women.
"This moment is significant, but our work is far from finished."
Minister Aurangzeb also announced the elimination of the 18% sales tax on contraceptives, describing it as a necessary response to "alarming" population growth.
Menstrual poverty affects millions of women and girls worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries. It is defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, adequate sanitation facilities, and information about menstrual hygiene.
This situation can have severe consequences: girls dropping out of school during their periods, women losing workdays, and health problems arising from the use of inadequate materials like old cloth, leaves, or newspapers.
Source: The Guardian
Alfredo S. Quiroga
