Saki acknowledges public concerns over taxing grocery shops, kitchen markets

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki yesterday acknowledged public concerns over bringing grocery shops and kitchen markets under the tax net, saying the government must ensure people are not unduly burdened while expanding the country's tax base.

"We must undoubtedly express concern over this issue. People have to be given relief," he said while participating in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in Parliament.

Saki said the government has expanded the tax net on a rational basis and taxes will initially be imposed at a flat rate according to taxpayers' financial capacity.

He also announced that revenue policy formulation and revenue collection will be separated as part of a broader tax reform agenda. An independent policy-making body comprising experts from outside the bureaucracy will be established to formulate revenue policies, he said.

Expressing optimism about achieving the revenue target for the next fiscal year, the state minister said stricter measures against tax evasion, alongside automation and tax reforms, will help the government meet its collection goal.

Defending the proposed budget, he said though concerns have been raised over its financing, the government's reform initiatives will strengthen revenue mobilisation.

Saki noted that several lawmakers questioned both the size of the proposed budget and its financing sources.