Press Release
9th June 2026
President Zardari Forwards PANAH’s Petition on Ultra-Processed Food Taxes to Ministry of Finance and FBR
Islamabad.
June 2026 – The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) expresses its deep gratitude to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, for taking prompt and decisive action on PANAH’s petition calling for the imposition of higher taxes on solid and liquid ultra-processed products (UPPs) in the Federal Budget 2026-27.
The President’s Secretariat (Public), Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, has formally forwarded the petition submitted by Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Masood Ur Rehman Kiani, President of PANAH, to the Secretary, Ministry of Finance, and the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), for necessary action under the law and rules.
Commenting on this significant development, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Masood Ur Rehman Kiani stated: We are deeply encouraged by President Zardari’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.
