ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST) on stationery items, saying the measure would increase education expenses for millions of students and their families.
During a meeting of the committee, lawmakers raised concerns over the planned tax on essential school supplies such as pens, pencils, geometry boxes, notebooks, and other learning materials.
Representatives of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Stationery and Taxation Committee also urged the government to withdraw the proposal, arguing that educational items should remain affordable.
Addressing the committee, representative Riyaz-ud-Din called for tax exemptions on commonly used school supplies, including sharpeners, exercise books, glue sticks, writing pads, and colour pencils.
He pointed out that the government had earlier decided against imposing the full 18 percent GST on stationery products and maintained that introducing the levy now would place an unnecessary burden on the education sector.
Committee members unanimously agreed that taxing basic educational materials would add to the financial challenges faced by parents and students amid rising living costs.
The panel recommended exempting essential stationery items from the proposed sales tax to help keep education accessible and prevent further increases in the cost of school supplies.
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