Shehzad Roy
Pakistani musician and social activist Shehzad Roy expressed gratitude towards Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for his decision to remove sales taxes from books in the federal Budget 2024-25.
Roy emphasized the importance of speaking out, noting that in the past, there was fear associated with raising concerns, but now it is crucial to voice opinions and advocate for change, particularly in the field of education.
He urged the public to join in raising their voices on important issues.
Earlier, Roy had engaged with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the imposition of a 10% sales tax on books in the upcoming budget.
Following discussions, Sharif assured Roy that the government would review this decision.
In addition to advocating for tax exemptions on books, Roy also called for the restoration of a tax rebate for teachers.
He shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that he had appealed to the Prime Minister and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal regarding this matter, and received assurances that the decision would be reconsidered favorably.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb had previously announced in the National Assembly that stationery items would remain exempt from taxes under the new budget.
The federal government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has set an ambitious tax revenue target of Rs13 trillion (approximately $46.66 billion) for the fiscal year starting from July 1.
This target represents a significant increase from the previous year and is part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s economic position and negotiate a new bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Roy’s advocacy highlights the impact of public engagement in policy decisions and underscores the importance of supporting education and the teaching profession in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
