The young lawyer taking Pakistan to court over its unfair 'period tax'

Young Lawyer Takes On Pakistan's Unfair Period Tax, Fights for Women's Dignity

In a bold move that is garnering international attention, a 25-year-old lawyer from Rawalpindi has challenged the Pakistani government over its discriminatory period tax. The case, Mahnoor Omer v Federation of Pakistan, marks a significant shift in the country's approach to menstruation, where women are disproportionately affected by high taxes and duties that make sanitary products unaffordable.

According to Unicef, the tax on menstrual products can increase their retail price by up to 40%, making them inaccessible to many women in rural areas. The current exemption of "essential goods" from tax, including items such as cattle semen, milk, and cheese, is seen as a glaring contradiction by Omer.

"This is disheartening that despite women serving as ministers, lawmakers, and public representatives, gender-blind policies continue to pass without question," Omer says. "Whether it's an omission or a deliberate act, such laws must be amended."

The case has garnered significant support from Mahwari Justice, a youth-led organization that provides health education and distributes menstrual products in poorer communities. The organization has launched a petition to support Omer's legal action, which has received over 4,700 signatures.

The high cost of menstrual products is having devastating consequences for women in Pakistan, with many forced to use rags or other alternatives as sanitary pads, doubling the risk of infections and long-term reproductive health complications. One in five girls misses school during menstruation, amounting to an entire academic year lost.

Omer hopes that a favorable ruling will not only make menstrual products more affordable but also shift how Pakistani society perceives menstruation. "For too long, this topic has been taboo and stigmatized, ignored to the point of nonexistence," she says. "The problem isn't the periods themselves, but rather the silence about them."

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Omer's efforts will bring about significant change in Pakistan's approach to menstruation. One thing is clear, however: the young lawyer has given voice to a pressing issue that affects millions of women worldwide, and her determination to fight for their dignity and rights is inspiring.

I think its so wrong that Pakistani gov does this tax on sanitary products they should be more considerate with people who need them the most , especially young girls in schools who are already stressed enough .

omg, this 25-yr-old lawyer is literally changing the game ! the fact that pakistan's gov't is charging crazy tax on sanitary products is just mind-blowing... i mean, who thought it was a good idea to tax rags? anyway, mahnoor omer is a total hero for speaking out against this ridiculous policy and fighting for women's rights . it's time for pakistan to shift its perspective on menstruation from stigmatizing it to embracing it like every other country . and 4,700 signatures in support of her case? that's amazing ! let's hope she wins and gets those sanitary products more affordable for all

I'm low-key impressed by this young lawyer taking on the Pakistani government over their discriminatory period tax . It's like, I get it, governments need money, but come on, women shouldn't have to sacrifice their dignity (or pay a fortune for sanitary pads) just because they're having periods . The fact that she's not just fighting for herself, but also for the millions of women worldwide who are affected by this policy is major . And I love how she's using her case to challenge the stigma around menstruation – it's time we start talking about periods like they're a normal part of life, not something to be ashamed of . Let's hope justice prevails and those sanitary pads become more affordable for everyone

This is super commendable what Mahnoor Omer is doing but I do think it's gonna be hard to change the entire system overnight. The government has been pretty slow on the uptake with things like this in the past, so fingers crossed that she gets some support from the higher-ups . Also, it's wild to think about how many women are missing out on school because they can't afford sanitary pads . Maybe if we normalize talking about periods and make them more accessible, it'll start to feel less taboo? Either way, Mahnoor Omer is a total hero for speaking up

I FEEL SO BAD FOR THESE WOMEN IN PAKISTAN WHO HAVE TO SUFFER JUST BECAUSE OF A Period!!! IT'S NOT FAIR THAT THEY'RE FORCED TO USE RAGS OR OTHER ALTERNATIVES AS SANITARY PADS, DOUBLING THE RISK OF INFECTIONS AND LONG-TERM REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COMPLICATIONS. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE MAHNOOR OMER WHO ARE WILLING TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST SUCH DISCRIMINATION AND FIGHT FOR A FAIRER SOCIETY!!!

I'm low-key impressed by this young lawyer taking on the Pakistani government over the unfair period tax . It's about time someone called out those discriminatory laws and brought attention to how they're affecting women's lives, you know? The fact that she's getting so much support from a youth-led organization is also super encouraging - it just goes to show that there are people in Pakistan who care about making a change . And let's be real, the stats on girls missing school due to menstruation are just heartbreaking . I hope this case sets a precedent for other countries to re-examine their laws and attitudes towards menstruation. It's time to break the silence around periods and make them more accessible to everyone .

can't believe ppl r struggling so much 4 something as basic as pads it's like, we got the right 2 be equal but somehow our bodies are still an afterthought mahnoor omer is literally a hero 4 standing up 4 her fellow women & demanding change we need more ppl like her who r willing 2 speak out against these systemic issues and btw, what's with the exemption of "essential goods" from tax tho? seems like a total joke to me

this case needs to get more attention ASAP, its like, how can you tax ppl for being female especially when its life essential products like pads & tampons , its not just about the money tho, its about dignity & respect 4 women

This case just shows how one person can make a real difference, but it's also a reminder that true change comes from within. We need more people like Mahnoor Omer who aren't afraid to speak up against injustices. It's easy to just stand by and watch, but where would we be without the ones who take action?

It's also a lesson in empathy - if we can put ourselves in someone else's shoes, literally (in this case!), and see how their life is affected by something as simple as a tax on sanitary products, maybe we'd think twice before making laws that seem harmless to us but have huge consequences for others.

And let's be real, it's crazy to me that we're still having these conversations in 2025... some things take time, I guess! But seriously, who's with me on believing that together, we can create a world where everyone has access to the basics - like sanitary products - without breaking the bank?

She's only 25 but already making waves with this case I'm low-key impressed how she's bringing attention to the harsh reality many women face in Pakistan when it comes to period products...it's wild that some of these products are taxed like they're 'essential goods' And yeah, the fact that she's using her platform to speak up about stigma around periods is everything

I think it's time for Pakistan to get real about its period tax . It's not just about making sanitary products more affordable, it's about treating women with respect . I mean, who gets taxed on their essential items but not on the things that keep them safe and healthy during menstruation? It's time for a change and for Pakistani society to break the silence around menstruation . Omer's case is a good start, but let's hope it leads to real change

man I'm not surprised she's taking on the govt over this... it's about time someone spoke up for those who can't afford sanitary products the fact that they're taxing these essentials like menstrual products while still giving exemptions to other goods is just ridiculous and don't even get me started on how unfair it is that women in rural areas are getting hit hard by this... they should be getting some kind of support, not being forced to use old rags or worse anyway, I'm skeptical she'll win this case, the govt's got a lot of powers and can just brush her off with a bunch of excuses

I'm so moved by Mahnoor Omer's courage to take on this case . It's heartbreaking to think about women in Pakistan being forced to use rags or other alternatives during their period, it's just not right . The fact that she's pointing out the contradiction between exempting cattle semen and milk from tax but not menstrual products is a major point . I hope her efforts will bring about change and make menstrual products more affordable for all women . It's time to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and make it a topic of conversation, not silence .

Umm... did you guys know that I just tried this new cafe downtown and OMG their matcha latte is LIFE.CHANGING ? Like, it's not even close to the stuff they serve at Starbucks back home. And have you seen the aesthetic of this place?! It's like a real-life fantasy world I swear, I almost forgot about that news article until now... anywayz, what do you think about period taxes?

This case needs more visibility! I'm all about supporting Omer and the Mahwari Justice organization. It's time Pakistan takes its stance on this issue seriously. The government should be made aware that they can't just ignore or downplay something like menstrual health, especially when it affects women's daily lives so drastically. Can you imagine having to miss school for a whole year because of your period? The petition has 4,700 signatures, which is awesome, but I think we need more public awareness and support to make this case go further. Let's get the word out there that menstruation needs to be treated with respect, not just ignored or taxed out of existence

I'm literally so impressed with this young lawyer, Mahnoor Omer! She's taking on the Pakistani government over this ridiculous period tax thing . I mean, 40% higher prices for sanitary products? That's just crazy talk . And to think that women are already struggling to get their lives together, what with school and work and all... this tax is just the cherry on top of a really crappy sundae .

I'm loving how Omer is pushing back against these discriminatory policies . Like, who thought it was a good idea to tax menstrual products in the first place? It's time for some real change, you know? The fact that this case has already gotten so much international attention is just amazing . I'm rooting for Omer all the way - she's got spirit and determination going on . And if her efforts can help shift how society perceives menstruation, that's a win-win in my book .

OMG, can you even believe there's still a tax on sanitary pads? Like, what's next, taxing air or something? I'm not saying I condone the lack of thought in this policy, but come on, Pakistani government, get it together! It's like they're trying to make menstruation a thing that's shameful, instead of embracing it as just another part of life. Women should be able to afford pads without breaking the bank, you feel?

I think this lady lawyer is totally underplayed here she's fighting for something really important - women's dignity and affordability of sanitary products! I mean, it's not like the government hasn't got enough money to spare, but they're still taxing menstrual pads like they're some kinda luxury item . It's just basic human rights you know? And these policies aren't just affecting Pakistan, it's a global issue that's super relevant to our lives today . I'm really rooting for Mahnoor Omer and her team, they need all the support they can get

this is so messed up! i mean, who puts taxes on tampons?! it's like they're trying to make it even harder for girls and women to control their own bodies . and the fact that it's a glaring contradiction with other 'essential goods' just makes me shake my head . mahnoor omer is literally a hero for speaking out about this - i hope her case wins and brings some real change to pakistan . but even if it doesn't, at least she's sparking conversations and giving voice to the women who need it most .