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Parents across Pakistan are preparing for higher back-to-school expenses after the federal government’s latest budget introduced a 10% sales tax on a wide range of school stationery items. Retailers say the new tax has already started affecting market prices, making essential educational supplies more expensive for families.
The tax applies to several commonly used school products, including pens, pencils, exercise books, geometry boxes, sharpeners, glue sticks, writing pads, colour pencils, and other stationery items. Market analysts believe the additional tax could increase retail prices by 10% to 15%, depending on the brand and supplier.
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The latest price hike comes at a time when many households are already dealing with rising inflation, higher utility bills, and increasing transportation costs. As schools prepare for the new academic session, parents are expected to spend significantly more on their children’s educational needs.
School Items Likely to Become More Expensive
- Pens and pencils
- Exercise books and notebooks
- Geometry boxes
- Sharpeners and erasers
- Glue sticks and school adhesives
- Writing pads
- Colour pencils and drawing supplies
- Some school bags and related accessories
Retailers say that prices of imported stationery could increase even further due to higher import costs and currency fluctuations. Some wholesalers have also started revising price lists following the implementation of the new tax measures.
Education experts have expressed concern that rising costs of basic school supplies may place an additional burden on low-income and middle-income families, especially those with multiple school-going children. Many parents are already adjusting household budgets to manage tuition fees, uniforms, transport, and books.
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The increase in stationery prices is part of the government’s broader revenue measures introduced under the latest Finance Bill. Officials say the changes are aimed at increasing tax collection, although consumers are expected to bear much of the immediate financial impact.
With the new school term approaching, parents are advised to compare prices at different stores, look for discounts, and purchase essential supplies early to reduce overall expenses. As the market adjusts to the new tax structure, education-related costs are expected to remain under pressure in the coming months.