ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has called for the implementation of smart taxation strategies to enhance nutrition, stimulate innovation, and strengthen the rural economy.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister made these remarks at a high-level consultation organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad. The event focused on the rationalization of the Federal Excise Duty on beverages and juice products in the country. Discussions at the consultation examined the economic, nutritional, industrial, and agricultural impacts of the current tax structure and its broader implications for Pakistan’s food and beverage sector.

Minister Hussain highlighted the significant role that the formal juice industry plays in bolstering agro-based value chains by sourcing large quantities of locally produced fruits. He noted that there is a global trend toward differentiated taxation based on sugar content and nutritional composition, suggesting that Pakistan should also pursue policies that encourage healthier product formulations and foster innovation within the industry.