The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority (PDRA) has issued a fresh notice to withdraw certain batches of popular local skin whitening creams from the market due to their harmful effects on health.
The tests confirmed the presence of banned mercury in some popular beauty creams, the authority said. Mercury is a poisonous element that may be very harmful to humans.
Mercury can be absorbed through the skin and is known to be toxic to the kidneys and other vital organs, health experts said. Long-term health issues can also ensue from using products with the chemical.
The authorities also announced that five homoeopathic medicines have been discovered to contain allopathic medicine ingredients, which led to the action of the authorities against the medicines and their manufacturers.
Earlier, the federal government provided tax relief to Pakistan’s beauty, skincare, wellness, and fitness sectors as part of its efforts to support businesses and encourage economic growth.
According to reports, stakeholders from the beauty and fitness industries had requested reductions in existing taxes, arguing that high taxation has increased operating costs and limited growth opportunities. Business owners state that lowering taxes would help the sectors expand, attract more customers, create employment opportunities, and encourage greater investment.
Moreover, representatives of beauty salons, skincare centres, gyms, and wellness businesses have informed policymakers that the industries contribute significantly to the economy by providing services to a large segment of the population.
They argue that excessive taxation placed financial pressure on businesses. The pressure is particularly more evident on smaller enterprises that face rising operational expenses, including rent, utilities, equipment costs, and employee wages.
Industry leaders have proposed a reduction in sales tax and other applicable levies, stating that lower taxes would make services more affordable for consumers. They believe that a decrease in tax rates could encourage more people to use professional beauty, skincare, and fitness services, ultimately benefiting both businesses and government revenue through increased economic activity.
Also read: ‘My beauty is natural, never been to any salon,’ says Dr Nabiha
