Parents across Pakistan are expected to pay more for school supplies after the federal government imposed a 10% sales tax on a wide range of stationery items under the Finance Bill 2026–27.
The new tax came into effect on July 1, 2026, with the start of the new fiscal year, increasing the cost of many essential back-to-school items.
School Items Affected by the New Tax
The 10% sales tax applies to several commonly used educational supplies, including:
- Pencils
- Pens
- Colour pencils
- Geometry boxes
- Sharpeners
- Exercise books
- Writing pads
- School glue
Industry experts say the measure could also contribute to higher prices for related educational products.
Prices May Rise by 10% to 15%
According to market analysts, retailers are likely to pass on the additional tax to consumers, resulting in price increases of 10% to 15% on many stationery products.
Besides stationery, parents may also see higher prices for:
- Notebooks
- Textbooks
- School bags
The increases come as families prepare for the new academic session.
Financial Pressure on Families
The additional cost is expected to place greater financial pressure on households, particularly:
- Salaried families
- Middle-income households
- Families with multiple school-going children
Parents have expressed concerns about the rising overall cost of education, including tuition fees, uniforms, transport, and now school supplies.
Part of Finance Bill 2026–27
The new sales tax forms part of the federal government’s broader Finance Bill 2026–27, which introduced taxation and revenue measures across multiple sectors from the beginning of the new fiscal year.
The government has implemented these measures as part of its fiscal strategy to increase revenue collection.
