ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) President retired Maj Gen Masudur Rehman Kiani has suggested the government to increase taxes on sweetened drinks and beverages by 50 per cent as it will be beneficial for the health of people.

Referring to a 2022 modelling study conducted by the World Bank in Pakistan, Mr Kiani said increasing excise tax would include an annual average health gain of 21 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 10,000 population, an economic value of health impact of $7 million, and an increase in tax revenue of $51 million.

“Furthermore, the imposition of a 20pc excise duty on sugary drinks in 2023 has already yielded substantial tax revenue gains within the first six months of 2024-25 fiscal year, providing a boost to Pakistan’s economy. These findings demonstrate that increasing taxes on sugary drinks can have a dual benefit: improving public health while generating significant economic gains,” he said.

The Panah president said fiscal policies such as increasing taxes on sweetened drinks were evidence-based strategies to reduce consumption and mitigate the risk factors associated with obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and kidney failure.

Retired Maj Gen Kiani said over 85 countries have successfully implemented higher taxation on harmful products to curb consumption and reduce healthcare costs.

“Pakistan should strengthen its public health measures through fiscal policies rather than reversing critical measures already taken by government of Pakistan,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2025