ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has urged the Ministry of Finance to lay Federal Health Levy Bill in the Parliament to impose a health tax on tobacco and sugary drinks to increase the revenue and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He said the government could achieve the goal by decreasing the tobacco consumption among the youth through the imposition of the health tax. The health ministry said that the revenue generated through the health tax on tobacco and sugary drinks would be earmarked for the health sector’s development over and above its routine budgetary allocation. The three largest companies –namely Pakistan Tobacco Companies – have all shown increases in their profitability as reflected in their public filings. Despite pocketing millions, the companies allegedly exert pressure on the government to reduce taxes and avoid slapping the health levy on their products.

Source: Pakistan Today December 25, 2020 15:00 UTC