Criticizing the government’s proposed budget, Mohammad Kashif Sabirani, Chairman of the All Traders Sindh Alliance, outrightly condemned the budget as anti-public. This announcement was made during a press conference, where Sabirani discussed various aspects of the budget, which he believes will severely impact the common citizen.
The budget, criticized by Sabirani for lacking practical measures for public welfare, includes unconventional allocations for health, education, and food, which are through prayers instead of direct financial investments. The chairman emphasized that the budget encourages the public to recite specific prayers for their needs, indicating a shift towards self-reliance instead of government assistance.
Another controversial issue raised was the significant increase in the general sales tax (GST) on vehicles, which has been raised from 12.5% to 18%. This increase has sharply raised vehicle prices, with small cars like Alto experiencing an increase of one hundred fifty thousand rupees, while prices of larger vehicles have increased by up to ten lakh rupees.
Furthermore, the budget has introduced an 18% tax on the import of solar panels, which, according to Sabirani, will discourage the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. This is particularly concerning for residents who have disconnected their home electricity to manage costs, as 50% of their salaries are spent on electricity and transportation expenses.
The import tax also applies to online purchases from major e-commerce platforms such as Daraz, Tmall, and AliExpress, adding further burden on consumers. Courier companies have been tasked with the collection of this tax, adding another layer of financial pressure on the general public.