Parents across Pakistan are expected to face higher back-to-school expenses after the federal government imposed a 10% sales tax on dozens of stationery items under the Finance Bill 2026-27.
The new tax came into effect on July 1 with the start of the 2026-27 fiscal year. According to the government’s notification, the levy applies to a wide range of school essentials, including pencils, pens, geometry boxes, sharpeners, exercise books, school glue, writing pads and colour pencils.
Market experts warn that the tax could increase retail prices of stationery items by 10% to 15%, placing additional financial pressure on salaried and middle-income families already struggling with rising living costs.
The increase may also push up the prices of notebooks, books and school bags ahead of the new academic session.
Economists say the higher cost of basic educational supplies will directly affect household budgets, while parents have expressed concern over the growing expense of sending children to school.
The latest tax measures are part of the federal government’s revenue strategy under the Finance Bill 2026-27, which introduced changes across multiple sectors from the beginning of the new fiscal year.
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