PM Shehbaz opposed tax hike on salaried class, claims Malik

Minister of State for Finance, Ali Pervaiz Malik, stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif opposed increasing taxes on salaried individuals, adding that the prime minister also did not agree to raising the sales tax from 18%.

Speaking on Express News programme “Centre Stage" on Thursday, Malik pledged to address the issue of ensuring minimum wage payments at every forum.

"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that taxes on the salaried class should not be increased. Everyone is aware that we have been experiencing double-digit inflation for some time. However, considering the negotiations with the IMF, these measures were taken, and the government has provided relief to the most vulnerable segments."

In response to a question about taxes on the salaried class, Malik emphasised, "I will raise the issue of ensuring minimum wage payments at every forum. The government has set the minimum wage at Rs37,000. If this is not enforced, strict action should be taken; it is an issue of enforcement."

Regarding the sales tax, he reiterated, "The prime minister did not agree to increasing the sales tax from 18%."

Addressing inflation, Malik remarked, "Inflation is a symptom of a disease, but it is not the disease itself. It is like a fever, not cancer. We need to treat the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Attention must be given to the reasons behind inflation."

He further added, "Pakistan was on the brink of bankruptcy. Unfortunately, we have not fulfilled our commitments to the IMF over the past 70 years, and we have gone through numerous IMF programmes during this time."