The increase in Federal Excise Duty (FED) on juices from 10% to 20% in the Federal budget amendments is a severe blow to the juices industry.
Due to the effects of global warming, it is essential to bring liquids and juices within the purchasing power of the common people in Pakistan so as to minimize the impact of global warming on human health.
Pakistan is already suffering from malnutrition while high taxes on juices are hindering the supply of nutrition to the people
The increase in Federal Excise Duty on juices by the government will affect the investments of the juice industry and the agriculture sector and reduce the income of farmers.
On the one hand, the Federal government is extending tax incentives for the establishment of agrotech industries while on the other hand, by increasing taxes on juices and FED, investment in agrotech is being made difficult.
The Federal Finance Minister should remove this ambiguity and difference in his budget announcements and measures and sales tax on juices & FED should be reduced.