IMF Rejects Pakistan's Plea: Condoms Remain Costly Amidst Population Boom

• The IMF rejected Pakistan's request to reduce the 18% GST on condoms, sanitary pads, and baby diapers.
• PM Shahbaz Sharif's government sought tax relief, arguing a small revenue loss (PKR 400-600 million) would benefit population control and public health.
• The rejection is due to strict conditions of the IMF's $7 billion bailout program, which mandates increasing taxes and meeting revenue targets.
• Pakistan faces a high population growth rate of 2.55%, adding approximately 6 million people annually, making cheaper contraceptives crucial.
• This decision underscores Pakistan's limited economic independence, with 64 IMF conditions imposed in the last 18 months.

Why It Matters: IMF's rejection keeps essential health products expensive in Pakistan, hindering population control efforts.