The salaried class in Pakistan has come together for the first time in history to send a letter to Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif, urging for a review of the tax policies that impact them.
The letter, which was also delivered to the Finance Minister, was submitted by Salary Alliance Pakistan, an organization that represents salaried individuals.
In the letter, it is pointed out that salaried workers are facing an overwhelming tax burden, with the tax revenue from their income estimated to exceed Rs 350 billion.
It is argued in the letter that salaried employees are making a significantly higher contribution in taxes compared to retailers, wholesalers, and agricultural workers throughout the country.
The need for the government to review and reduce the tax brackets for employed individuals was stressed by the General Secretary of Salary Alliance Pakistan.
The organization requested an increase in the yearly tax exemption threshold from 600,000 rupees to Rs 1.2 million. Furthermore, they urged for the elimination of the 10% extra tax levied on well-paid employed individuals.
In their correspondence, Salary Alliance Pakistan underscored the negative impact of heavy taxation on the professional workforce. They observed that numerous highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, engineers, bankers, and educators, are exploring opportunities overseas due to financial pressure.
Nasser Hussain Tabani, a key figure of the alliance, expressed the salaried class’ worries in Karachi, explaining that the existing tax system has rendered it incredibly challenging for them to handle their finances.
