Pakistani Journalist Ejaz Ul Haq Saeedi Talks About Wheat Prices and Taxes in Pakistan
The rampant inflation and heavy sales tax imposed on all commodities in Pakistan have become a severe concern for the general public. The lower-income section, already struggling with rising prices, now faces issues affording wheat, a staple food.
Flour Mill Strike
Pakistani journalist Ejaz Ul Haq Saeedi commented on a strike by the flour mill union in Punjab Province. He said, “The strike is nothing but a way for the flour mill owners to increase their profit margins as they now have stored a significant amount of wheat of our country. As a result, several mills have stopped their operations and the most affected section of society in this scenario is the poor or lower income group.”
Wheat Prices and Sales Tax
Saeedi mentioned that flour mill owners did not purchase wheat from farmers at government-approved rates. The price was set at PKR 3900 per 40 kgs but was bought at PKR 2300 per 40 kgs. He questioned the basis of their protest against sales taxes, stating, “The sales tax will not affect the mill owner as it will be further recovered from the final consumer. And this consumer is already in problem from high taxes on other commodities like milk, grains and other things.”
Impact on Common People
Saeedi highlighted the struggles of people earning PKR 35000 to PKR 50000 per month in managing bills and living expenses due to heavy taxes on all commodities. He criticized the government for increasing facilities and remunerations for officials while burdening the common man with taxes. He said, “The general public is no way involved in this anti-tax protest as they are the ones who will be affected the most it is all loop whole found by the flour mill owners to increase their profits.”
Saeedi warned that the public’s patience is wearing thin and questioned how the common man would cope with heavy taxes on food items. He noted that even the wealthiest 1% of Pakistan’s population would struggle to maintain a lavish lifestyle under these conditions.
Doubts Revealed
Ejaz Ul Haq Saeedi -: Ejaz Ul Haq Saeedi is a journalist from Pakistan who reports on important issues affecting the country.
Inflation -: Inflation means that the prices of things we buy, like food and clothes, are going up, making it harder for people to afford them.
Sales taxes -: Sales taxes are extra money that people have to pay when they buy things. This money goes to the government.
Flour mill owners -: Flour mill owners are people who run factories where wheat is turned into flour, which is used to make bread and other foods.
Hoarding -: Hoarding means keeping a lot of something, like wheat, and not selling it. This can make prices go up because there is less available for people to buy.
Government-approved rates -: Government-approved rates are prices that the government says are fair for buying and selling things like wheat.
Essential commodities -: Essential commodities are basic things that people need to live, like food, water, and clothes.
Common man -: The common man refers to regular people, especially those who do not have a lot of money.
