Trade leader advocates for pro-worker economic policies

LAHORE : In a recent meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Saad Muhammad, a prominent trade union leader, emphasised the critical role of public goods and services in ensuring the well-being of the workforce and contributing to overall economic development.

He fervently raised concerns about the adverse impact of existing tax policies on the lives of common workers. Saad specifically called for a reassessment of taxes on essential commodities such as food items, electricity, and Sui Gas, emphasising the severe repercussions on the average worker's livelihood.

During the discussions, Saad proposed a collaborative approach with the IMF to address the issue of resource wastage, particularly by curbing excessive privileges like providing free electricity, vehicles with protocol, etc., to parliamentarians and government servants.

He argued that focusing on controlling such unnecessary expenditures could alleviate financial burdens on essential services without compromising the well-being of the working class or a common man. Saad unveiled a stark reality during recent engagements with the IMF and World Bank. Sharing copies of the Domestic Household Bill of Pakistan, Saad shed light on the burden placed on consumers through an array of taxes he presented comprehensive data illustrating that more than 10 types of taxes are imposed on consumers in Pakistan through domestic household bills, surpassing the actual cost of electricity. In a compelling move, Saad questioned the fairness of a tax structure that remains uniform for both the impoverished and the elite. In a pointed inquiry, Saad challenged the notion of fairness in a tax system that applies the same rates to both the economically disadvantaged and the elite class.