Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled Pakistan’s 2026-27 budget on Friday. Among the many fiscal measures, two announcements quickly captured public attention. The government will remove taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives from the next fiscal year.
Many women, health advocates and social media users welcomed the move. They described it as a major step toward making essential health products more affordable.
In Budget 2026-27, sanitary pads and tampons have been made tax-free, reducing financial burden and making essential products more accessible for women across Pakistan.
A practical move for a more inclusive society.#BudgetForPakistan
#عوام_دوست_بجٹ pic.twitter.com/tC2ajoZKdF— Madiha Abid Ali (@MadihaAbidAli) June 12, 2026
The tax changes will take effect on July 1, when the new fiscal year begins. Supporters say the decision could lower costs for millions of women and families across Pakistan.
A Long-Awaited Change for Women’s Health
The decision to remove taxes on sanitary pads triggered widespread praise online. Many users argued that menstrual hygiene products are basic necessities, not luxury goods.
One social media user noted that Pakistan is set to join a small group of countries that do not tax menstrual hygiene products. Around the world, campaigners have urged governments to abolish what they call the “tampon tax.” They argue that women should not pay extra taxes on products they need every month.
Budget 2026-27 has abolished the 18% tax on sanitary pads for women, also know as the pink tax, joining a list of only 17 other countries to have completely abolished such a tax. https://t.co/E3KhsyqiCA
— Zehra Farooq (@ZehraFarooq) June 12, 2026
Many users also described the previous tax policy as “ridiculous.” They welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the levy.
The announcement also renewed focus on activists who pushed for change. Women’s rights advocate Mahnoor Omer filed a petition in the Lahore High Court in September. She challenged the taxation of menstrual hygiene products and called for policy reform.
Her campaign gained international recognition. TIME later included her on its Women of the Year list.
Pakistan govt has officially proposed a complete removal of taxes on sanitary pads. Finance Minister Aurangzeb announced the abolition in his budget speech.
Congratulations to Mahnoor Omer & the entire team working on this! #periodTax was discriminatory & I’m glad it’s over!— Saqib Jamil (@saqibjamil88) June 12, 2026
In Karachi, activist Alishba Shabbir filed a similar petition in the Sindh High Court in November. Her legal challenge added momentum to the growing campaign.
Health advocates say lower prices can help tackle period poverty. They also believe affordable products can improve menstrual health for women and girls from low-income households.
Contraceptives and Population Concerns
The government also removed taxes on contraceptives. Public health experts welcomed the decision and said it could improve access to family planning products.
However, some observers questioned how much impact the move would have on its own. Several social media users argued that lower prices alone will not increase contraceptive use.
They pointed to cultural attitudes, social stigma and limited awareness as major barriers. These factors continue to influence family planning decisions across Pakistan.
People don’t not buy contraceptives because of GST. They don’t buy them because it’s an extra expense, or just because they don’t believe in the concept.
Does anyone truly believe this is going to increase acceptance and increase sales amongst the masses? https://t.co/reu4JTFSzX— 🇵🇸 Imperial Marcher 🇵🇸 (@ST_Incognito) June 12, 2026
Pakistan remains one of the world’s fastest-growing countries by population. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), wider access to contraceptives can improve maternal health, reduce unintended pregnancies and support sustainable development.
The budget measure arrives as policymakers face growing pressure to improve healthcare access. They must also address economic and social challenges that affect millions of citizens.
While debate continues over the long-term impact, the announcement earned praise across political and social groups. For many women, the decision represents more than tax relief. It signals greater recognition of menstrual health as an important public policy issue.
