Pakistan increased tax to get economic package from IMF, public anger reached seventh sky

The government in Pakistan has increased the tax to a great extent to increase its revenue. Its purpose is to get another package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to save Pakistan from the economic crisis. However, the tax increase has reached the peak of the anger of the general public, which is already struggling with severe inflation.

In fact, the general public was hoping that the government could give them some relief for several months now. But the government on the contrary increased their financial burden further. This has reached the peak of frustration and disappointment in the Pakistani public.

Shaista from Karachi says, "The government is overly dependent on our taxes. It is increasing taxes on small things like matchboxes. We are tired of paying taxes. Now we feel helpless and powerless. It has become difficult for us to even feed ourselves."

The Pakistan government has set a difficult target of raising revenue of Rs 13 trillion (47 billion dollars) in the budget for the financial year starting on July 1. This is 40 percent more than last year. This includes a 48 percent increase in direct taxes and a 35 percent increase in indirect taxes. Non-tax revenue like petroleum tax is expected to increase by 64 percent.

Farooq from Karachi says, "When salaried people like us are burdened with taxes, it is difficult to call it a 'people-friendly' budget. We were already paying many taxes. Electricity bills, gas bills, and many other direct-indirect taxes are being increased continuously. Now it has become difficult for salaried people to manage their expenses, forget about the poor people."

The Pakistan government is making every attempt to increase money, but it will be tough to execute new 'economic reforms' such as tax increases. Along with coalition politics, public protests against rising prices are becoming increasingly vociferous. The Pakistan People's Party, an ally of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's cabinet, has already expressed discontent with certain sections of the budget.

The Sharif regime is facing an additional challenge from imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose popularity is growing by the day. MPs from Imran Khan's party objected strongly during the budget presentation. Their main issue was the increase in taxation.