SHC summons parties in case against 'period tax'

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday took up a petition challenging the sales tax on women’s sanitary napkins. Parties to the case, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other respondents, have been summoned for a hearing next week.

The Attorney General of Pakistan is also expected to submit a response during the upcoming proceedings.

The petition was filed by Alisha Shabbir, a Karachi resident, who challenged the classification of sanitary napkins as non-essential items.

Her legal counsel argued that government taxes and duties on raw materials account for nearly 40 percent of the retail price of a sanitary napkin, making these hygiene products unaffordable for millions of women and girls, despite being a basic necessity.

The lawyer urged the court to classify sanitary napkins as essential items, similar to other necessities, so they could be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, exempting them from sales tax.

He further suggested that raw materials used in their production be added to the Eighth Schedule, ensuring that tax relief reaches the consumers directly.

The counsel maintained that taxing sanitary napkins at higher rates not only burdens consumers but also violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution. He emphasized that the current taxation system imposes an unfair financial strain on women and girls who rely on these essential hygiene products.

After a preliminary hearing, the two-judge bench, led by Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, directed the court office to issue notices to the respondents and the Attorney General of Pakistan under Order XXVII-A CPC, with the date for the next hearing to be scheduled after two weeks.