Pakistan raises GST on stationery to 18% starting July 2026

Pakistan’s federal government plans to increase the general sales tax (GST) on stationery items from the current 10% to 18% under the Finance Bill 2026‑27. The hike, scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026, covers notebooks, pens, pencils and other school and office supplies and is intended to broaden the tax base following a request from the International Monetary Fund.

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the FY2026‑27 budget on 10 June, and the tax increase is part of a broader fiscal package that also includes tariff relief for the pharmaceutical, logistics and construction sectors.

The higher rate is expected to raise prices for students, parents and office consumers across the country, providing additional revenue to meet the government’s fiscal targets.