Revoke the Decision to Impose Sales Tax on Solar Panels: Syed Aman Shah
Revoke the Decision to Impose Sales Tax on Solar Panels: Syed Aman Shah
Make Solar Technology Tax-Free or Zero-Rated: Provincial Convener, Awaam Pakistan Party Balochistan
Syed Aman Shah, the Provincial Convener of Awaam Pakistan Party Balochistan, has strongly condemned the imposition of 18% sales tax on solar panels in the Federal Budget 2025-26. He demanded that the government immediately withdraw this decision, stating that the burden of this tax will ultimately fall on the lower-income segments and already burdened electricity consumers.
He emphasized that this sales tax discourages the adoption of alternative energy sources in Pakistan, which is unjust to the economy, consumers and the environment. Highlighting the ongoing energy crisis and soaring electricity prices, he stressed that solar technology is a critical and essential solution for Pakistan’s future.
Syed Aman Shah stated that instead of taxing solar technology, the government should be providing subsidies to promote it. Unfortunately, by imposing an 18% tax, solar energy is being pushed out of reach for the common man. He further added that solar energy is currently the only viable alternative through which people can access affordable electricity, while also reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel.
The Awaam Pakistan Party Balochistan leader pointed out that this decision would not only harm the business community but also deal a severe blow to the general public suffering from power outages during the summer. At a time when the country is grappling with inflation, an energy crisis, and rising business costs, taxing solar energy would only worsen public hardship.
He stated that solar energy is a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective source of power, which had been providing relief to citizens and supporting business growth. The imposition of this tax would damage the sector, reduce job opportunities, and make access to solar systems more difficult for ordinary citizens.
He noted that globally, countries are making solar technology more accessible and affordable, whereas in Pakistan, taxing it is a step in the wrong direction. He urged the government to revise the budget, make solar technology tax-free or at least zero-rated, in order to provide relief to the public and lead the country toward sustainable energy.
Syed Aman Shah further added that the government should provide special facilities for setting up new industries and startup factories. He demanded that the interest rate be immediately reduced from 11% to 9% and that affordable energy sources be made available to reduce business costs in the country.
