QUETTA: Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Durrani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and dignity of women and girls through legislative reforms.
She chaired a consultative meeting that discussed a proposed joint resolution to reduce or abolish taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) products in the province.
The session was organised by the MHM Working Group in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan. Officials and development partners attended the meeting, focusing on reducing financial barriers that limit access to essential hygiene products.
Former health minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch stressed the need for cross-party consensus to ensure affordable healthcare access for women.
MHM Working Group chairperson Dr Tahira Kamal Umrani said reducing taxes on hygiene products is a key public health priority, particularly for marginalised communities.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Khan said the proposal would be reviewed from an administrative perspective.
The proposed resolution calls for either a 50% reduction or full exemption from provincial taxes on essential hygiene products to improve access for vulnerable groups.
Lawmakers agreed to fast-track the drafting process and present the resolution in the Balochistan Assembly.
Officials said the initiative could set a precedent for women-focused policy reforms and improve access to basic health necessities across the province.
