ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) on Sunday appreciated increase of tax on fizzy drinks and sugar based packed juices.

According to a statement, issued by Panah, the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on juices, squashes and syrups has been increased from existing 10pc (which was imposed during supplementary finance bill February 2023) to 20pc during the finance bill 2023-24. The final bill has been approved by the president of Pakistan.

“Panah has been working for the last 40 years to protect people from diseases especially cardiovascular diseases.

“Sugary drinks are a major cause of many diseases. It is a matter of great joy that Panah has got another victory. Despite strong opposition from the industry and false propaganda, the government has increased taxes on juices as they are equally damaging like other sugary drinks. We congratulate the government for increasing the taxes,” General Secretary Panah Sanaullah Ghumman said.

“I would like to thank our champion parliamentarians, stakeholders, civil society and media friends for this victory.They raised their voice along with Panah for the cause to save human lives. Finally their efforts translated into a policy and legislation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2023