ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15th Jun, 2026) Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Senator Sherry Rehman on Monday called for a broader tax base, greater reliance on direct taxation, and adequate fiscal space for provinces, while welcoming the removal of general sales tax (GST) on women’s hygiene products and contraceptives in the Budget 2026–27.
Taking part in budget debate in Senate, she said the PPP played a constructive role during budget consultations and contributed to measures aimed at reducing the tax burden on products used by women and families.
She also stressed the need for a fair taxation system and sustainable economic reforms.
She said Pakistan needed to expand its tax base to achieve sustainable economic growth and fiscal stability. Direct taxes should be increased while dependence on indirect taxes should be reduced to lessen the burden on ordinary citizens, she added.
Sherry expressed concern over the growing size of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) adding that excessive reliance on levies and indirect taxation raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the revenue structure.
She emphasized the need to bring more sectors, particularly services, trade and retail businesses, into the tax net, arguing that Pakistan could not become economically self-reliant without widening the scope of taxation.
She also highlighted concerns regarding provincial finances, saying social sector spending faced increasing pressure due to fiscal constraints.
She stressed the importance of safeguarding allocations for education, health and development programmes.
Referring to climate-related challenges, she urged greater investment in climate resilience, food security and water management, warning that climate change was having an increasing impact on agriculture, livelihoods and economic stability.
She also called for broader consultations among political stakeholders ahead of future budgets to help develop a more inclusive and sustainable economic framework for the country.
Sherry Rehman also congratulated the government, political leadership and the nation on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional tensions, and praised the role played by the country’s leadership and armed forces in promoting peace.
APP/rzr-raz
