PAKISTAN
The cabinet has approved a flat tax on all cigarette packets and soft drinks to try to plug a gaping budget deficit.
The cabinet made the decision in late May, to be enforced after the parliament approved the 2019/2020 fiscal budget.
A PKR10 health tax on tobacco for a pack of 20 cigarettes and PKR1 for every 250 ml soft drink will be imposed. Revenue generated from this health tax will be earmarked for the health sector development.