ISLAMABAD: Presi­de­­nt Asif Ali Zardari has forwarded a petition by the Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah), regarding increased taxation on ultra-processed food to finance and revenue officials, the organisation said on Tuesday.

According to Panah, the President’s Secretariat has formally forwarded the petition submitted by its president, Dr Masoodur Rehman Kiani, to the finance secretary and FBR chairman for action.

The petition urges the government to introduce higher taxes on ultra-processed foods and beverages as part of broader efforts to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.

Appreciating the president’s response, Dr Kiani described the move as an encouraging development for public health advocacy. He urged the relevant authorities to act swiftly on the proposal.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026