Vendors reject new turnover levy

RAWALPINDI:

The government has released a list of 52 business categories that will be subject to a fixed tax of Rs25,000 and a one per cent turnover tax on sales under the 2026-27 budget, and traders have rejected the move.

According to the list, the tax will apply to small eateries, roadside tea stalls, dahi bhallay and chana chaat vendors, soda water sellers and motorcycle riders delivering milk door-to-door.

The tax will also cover tandoors, milk and yogurt shops, canteens of public and private schools, marriage halls, marquees, hotels, restaurants, bakeries and others.