A 25-year-old lawyer from Rawalpindi has taken the bold step of suing the government over what she calls a discriminatory “period tax.” The case, currently being heard at Lahore’s high court, challenges the classification of sanitary pads as non-essential luxury goods, which subjects them to heavy taxation. These taxes can add up to 40% to the retail price, putting menstrual products out of reach for millions of women and girls across Pakistan.
Only a small fraction of women, particularly in rural areas, can afford pads. Research indicates that just 16% of rural women use them due to high costs. In contrast, items such as milk, cheese, and even cattle semen are listed as tax-exempt essentials. The lawsuit argues that excluding sanitary products from this list reflects deeply rooted gender bias in policy-making.
The young lawyer asserts that the taxation of menstrual products is not merely an economic issue but also one of dignity and equality. She believes that women are effectively penalized for a natural biological process. Legal experts supporting the case argue that such taxation constitutes indirect gender discrimination, as it disproportionately affects women and girls, limiting their access to education and health.
Backing the case is Mahwari Justice, a youth-led organization that promotes menstrual health awareness and distributes hygiene products to low-income communities. The group was founded after the 2022 floods, when many displaced women were forced to use unsafe materials during menstruation. A petition supporting the legal action has already garnered thousands of signatures, reflecting growing public support.
The consequences of this tax go beyond affordability. Many girls in Pakistan miss school during their periods, losing up to a full academic year over time. Others rely on unhygienic substitutes, increasing their risk of infection and reproductive health complications.
The case seeks not only to remove taxes on sanitary products but also to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation. The lawyer hopes a favourable ruling will encourage policymakers to adopt gender-sensitive reforms and promote open discussion on menstrual health.
“For too long, this subject has been taboo,” she says. “It’s time we end the silence and recognize menstrual health as a basic human right.”
