Panah urges govt to hike FED on sugary drinks to 40pc
By Our Staff Reporter
2025-06-01
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) has urged the government to increase federal excise duty (FED) on all types of sugary drinks from the existing 20pc to 40pc in the best interest of public health.
Moreover, it has claimed that enacting 20pc excise tax on ultra-processed foods will cross World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended thresholds of salt, sugar, fats, or contain any amount of non-sugar sweeteners and will bring added advantage for public health.
In a statement, the organisation claimed that the Ministry of National Health Services has submitted evidence-driven proposal to tax ultraprocessed foods based on the comparative review of nutrient profile model nutrient modelling with recommended thresholds as per WHO guidelines.
`This proposal is built on scientific grounds, considering the best global practices andlocalresearch.Contrary to industry claims, ultra-processed foods significantly increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liverdisease, and heart conditions,` Panah Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman said.
`Pakistan faces one of the world`s highest burdens of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs): over 35 million adults live with diabetesthe third-highest prevalence globally-while cardiovascular diseases cause 1 in 3 deaths nationwide. If no immediate policy action is taken, over 70 million people will be living with diabetes by 2050,` he said.
`The FED on ultra-processed food and beverage products is a proven public health tool, which could cut down hospital expenditure; bring additional revenue for government, which may be invested to improve public health and nutrition.
`Evidence from Mexico, Chile, and the UK shows that such fiscal measures reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, reduce risk factors of chronic diseases, and are likely to improve health outcomes in long run, he said.
The organisation has urged policymakers, including FBR and the Ministry of Finance, to resist any vested pressure and implement FED without delay to curb the country`s public health emergency.
