IT is surprising for the poor people that they are paying 18 per cent general sales tax (GST) on the purchase of rusk, which is commonly used by the lower middle class to have some sort of a breakfast in the morning.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should review its decision and ensure that basic food items that are used by the lower middle class are exempted from the imposition of GST. This will be a huge relief for the poor.

Due to bad economic situation as well as high inflation in the country, the poor and lower middle classes are already passing through a difficult period and are trying their best to make ends meet.

Rusk is not a luxury item for which the FBR is charging 18pc GST. Only the lower middle class uses it in breakfast. The prime minister as well as the FBR should look into the matter and provide relief to the common man.

Earlier, there was also 17pc GST on bread and the FBR had later removed that tax, which came as a huge relief for the people. The price of large plain bread is now Rs150 without GST. It would have been Rs177 today had the tax been there. The government should provide relief this time, too.

Yahqub Lodhi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2023