Civil society raised alarm on anti public health budget
Islamabad, 11June 2025(Ghufran): In light of the federal budget announcement for 2025-26, which failed to increase taxes on harmful ultra-processed products (UPPs) and instead imposed a levy on fuel—a vital commodity—leading health organizations and experts have termed this as an anti public health budget. They urged the government to prioritize public health over corporate interest and enact at least 20 percent federal excise duty on UPPs during the ongoing budget approval process.With one Pakistani suffering a heart attack every minute and the daily death toll from diabetes and its complications exceeding 1,100, this is a national health emergency demanding bold, evidence-based policy action from the government.According to health experts, ultra-processed foods are a significant ...