Pakistan’s salaried class has paid Rs285 billion in income tax during the first seven months of this fiscal year, an increase of Rs100 billion compared to last year.
The largest contributions came from non-corporate employees, who paid Rs122 billion, while corporate sector employees contributed Rs86 billion. Provincial government employees paid Rs48 billion, and federal employees added Rs29 billion to the total tax collection.
Despite the high taxes on salaried individuals, many wholesalers and traders still remain outside the tax system. This imbalance has sparked concerns about the fairness of the tax structure.
Minister of State for Finance, Ali Pervaiz Malik, has acknowledged the excessive tax burden on salaried individuals and hinted at possible tax relief in the next budget.
Last year, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government introduced an additional Rs75 billion in taxes. However, tax collections have already surpassed that amount, showing the significant financial contribution of salaried workers.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has postponed a bill aimed at restricting financial transactions by ineligible individuals. If passed, this bill could impact the real estate sector, raising concerns among industry experts.
As discussions on tax reforms continue, many hope for a more balanced system where all sectors contribute fairly. With the next budget approaching, salaried individuals are eagerly awaiting potential relief from their growing tax burden.
