In Islamabad in June 2026 the President’s Secretariat (Public), Aiwan-e-Sadr, has formally forwarded a petition from the Pakistan National Heart Association to the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue for consideration in the Federal Budget 2026-27.
The petition, submitted by Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Masood Ur Rehman Kiani, calls for higher tax measures on solid and liquid ultra-processed products to curb consumption and protect public health. PANAH has expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari for the prompt action of sending the document to the relevant fiscal authorities.
By formally transmitting the petition to the Ministry of Finance and FBR, the Presidency has placed the question of UPP taxes within the official budgetary process, asking officials to take necessary action under the law and applicable rules. PANAH says this procedural step is important for ensuring that tax policy can be used to discourage harmful food and beverage choices.
Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Masood Ur Rehman Kiani said, “We are deeply encouraged by the President’s responsiveness to our public health advocacy. The forwarding of this petition to the Ministry of Finance and FBR is a meaningful step towards protecting millions of Pakistanis from the devastating health consequences of ultra-processed foods and beverages. We urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and ensure that the upcoming Federal Budget 2026-27 includes meaningful tax measures on UPPs.”
Stakeholders note that inclusion of UPP taxes in the Federal Budget 2026-27 would signal a stronger use of fiscal policy to address non-communicable diseases in Pakistan, and they are calling on the Ministry and FBR to review the petition with urgency so policy decisions can be taken ahead of the budget timetable.
