President refers petition seeking higher taxes on ultra-processed foods to Finance Ministry, FBR for action 

President Asif Ali Zardari has forwarded a petition seeking higher taxes on ultra-processed foods and beverages to the finance secretary and Federal Board of Revenue chairman for further action, the Pakistan National Heart Association said.

According to a news report, the petition was submitted to the President’s Secretariat by Pakistan National Heart Association President Dr Masoodur Rehman Kiani.

According to the organisation, the proposal calls for increased taxation on ultra-processed food products and drinks as part of efforts to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.

Dr Kiani welcomed the forwarding of the petition and urged the Finance Ministry and Federal Board of Revenue to examine the recommendations without delay.

He said additional taxation on such products could support public health objectives and discourage consumption linked to non-communicable diseases.