Zonayed Saki for increasing domestic revenue, tobacco taxes for stronger economy

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki on Monday underscored the need to strengthen domestic resource mobilization to place the national budget on a more sustainable footing.

“Reducing dependence on debt and increasing internal revenue-particularly through higher taxes and prices on public health-hazardous products like tobacco-remains a top government priority for achieving genuine and inclusive development,” he said.

The State Minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Necessity of effective tax and price increase of tobacco products in the upcoming 2026-27 FY budget for protecting public health,” held at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital.