March 19, 2026
Islamabad (Mehtab Haider)
Pakistan’s voiceless salaried class has paid Rs. 365 billion in income tax during the first eight months (July to February) of the current fiscal year, which is even higher than the combined contributions of all wealthy segments—including retailers, wholesalers, exporters, and property tycoons.
According to official data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the salaried class paid Rs. 365 billion in taxes during the first eight months of fiscal year 2026, compared to Rs. 332 billion during the same period in fiscal year 2025. Although the government claimed that there had been a slight reduction in the initial tax slabs for salaried individuals, tax collection from them has actually increased.
On the other hand, the government currently has no concrete plan to introduce any new scheme in the upcoming Budget 2026–27 to bring retailers into the tax net. During recent negotiations with the IMF, some proposals were considered, but no final decision regarding retailers could be reached.
If the FBR fails to expand the tax base, any hope of relief for the salaried class will also diminish.
Salaried Class Paid Rs. 365 Billion in Taxes in First 8 Months
