Balochistan Considers Tax Relief on Menstrual Health Products

Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Durrani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and dignity of women and girls through legislative reforms.

Chairing a consultative meeting, the minister discussed a proposed joint resolution to reduce or abolish taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) products across the province.

The MHM Working Group organized the session in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan.

Officials and development partners participated in the meeting, focusing on easing financial barriers that limit access to essential health products.

Former health minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch stressed the need for cross-party consensus to ensure affordable healthcare necessities for women.

MHM Working Group chairperson Dr Tahira Kamal Umrani highlighted that reducing taxes on hygiene products is a key public health priority, particularly for marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Khan expressed readiness to review the proposal from an administrative perspective.

The proposed resolution seeks either a 50% reduction or a complete exemption from provincial taxes on essential hygiene products, aiming to make them accessible to vulnerable groups.

Lawmakers agreed to expedite the drafting process and present the resolution in the Balochistan Assembly.

The initiative is expected to set a strong precedent for women-focused policy reforms and improve access to basic health necessities across the province.