Political situation in Pakistan

Pakistan to scrap tax on sanitary napkins and condoms

Pakistan will scrap the 18 percent "menstrual tax" on products such as sanitary napkins, as well as an equally high tax on contraceptives, announced Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb according to The Guardian.

- Menstrual products are absolutely essential for women's health, dignity and participation in social contexts, he says.

Due to the high cost, many women in Pakistan choose not to use commercial menstrual products, and instead turn to homemade alternatives that can increase the risk of infection, according to Unicef.

Pakistan to scrap tax on sanitary napkins and condoms

Pakistan will scrap the 18 percent "menstrual tax" on products such as sanitary napkins, as well as an equally high tax on contraceptives, announced Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb according to The Guardian.

“Menstrual products are absolutely essential for women’s health, dignity and participation in society,” he says.

Due to the high cost, many women in Pakistan choose not to use commercial menstrual products, turning instead to homemade alternatives that can increase the risk of infection, according to Unicef.