Pakistan's rising taxes turn burials into costly burden for grieving families
Rawalpindi, July 7
Escalating taxes and higher government-imposed charges introduced under Pakistan's latest federal and provincial budgets have significantly increased funeral expenses, leaving many families struggling to afford even basic burial arrangements, as reported by The Express Tribune.
According to The Express Tribune, the price of a standard burial shroud along with essential funeral items, including camphor and rose water, has climbed to between Rs8,000 and Rs10,000. At the same time, lower-quality and cheaper alternatives have become increasingly common in local markets as families attempt to reduce costs amid worsening financial pressures. The report said that low-income and middle-class households are bearing the brunt of these rising expenses.
Many bereaved families are reportedly forced to borrow money from relatives and friends or seek assistance from charitable organisations and philanthropists to arrange dignified funerals for their loved ones. Residents say the growing cost of funerals has added another layer of hardship during times of grief. The overall expenditure for funeral arrangements now ranges between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000.
Funeral supplies account for nearly Rs10,000, while body washing and related services cost around Rs5,000. Securing a grave reportedly requires between Rs15,000 and Rs25,000, with grave diggers charging approximately Rs5,000. In addition, families often spend between Rs25,000 and Rs50,000 on meals served to mourners following the burial, further increasing the financial burden.
Residents also voiced concerns over the growing shortage of burial space across Rawalpindi. They alleged that all 44 graveyards in the city have reached full capacity, creating opportunities for the illegal sale of burial plots at inflated prices. The claims have intensified concerns over the management of public graveyards, as cited by The Express Tribune.
Educationist Professor Ilyas Qureshi, Headmasters Association patron Dr Sagheer Alam and resident Hafiz Sajid Khan have appealed to the government and municipal authorities to establish a free burial service for financially disadvantaged families, as reported by The Express Tribune.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is what happens when governments prioritize revenue over human dignity. Taxing burial shrouds and grave spaces is just cruel. Countries need to exempt essential life events from such heavy taxation.
A very sad state of affairs. But on a lighter note, this is also a stark reminder that we should be grateful for our local 'kabristan committees' and free burial services in many Indian towns. Governments should step in to provide basic dignity in death.
The illegal sale of burial plots at inflated prices is absolutely despicable. Profiteering from grief. This needs urgent investigation and crackdown by Pakistani authorities. The poor are being exploited at every turn.
This is truly tragic. In our own country, we have faced similar issues during the pandemic. But it's good that the community and philanthropists often step in. However, governments must ensure that no family has to beg for a dignified farewell for their loved ones. 😢
Having to spend Rs50,000-1,00,000 for a burial when the average family's income is squeezed is just criminal. The government should at least provide free shroud and grave plots for the poor. This is basic human decency.
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