Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain says Pakistan needs smart taxation to promote nutrition, innovation, and the rural economy.

He was addressing a high-level consultation organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Islamabad today to deliberate on the rationalization of the Federal Excise Duty on beverages and juice products in Pakistan.

The discussion centered on the economic, nutritional, industrial, and agricultural dimensions of the existing tax structure and its broader implications for the country's food and beverage sector.

Highlighting the link between the beverage industry and agriculture, the Minister pointed out that the formal juice industry plays an important role in strengthening agro-based value chains by procuring substantial quantities of locally produced fruits.

He underscored the global trend toward differentiated taxation based on sugar content and nutritional composition. He emphasised that Pakistan should also encourage healthier product formulations and innovation within the industry.