Pakistan's rising taxes turn burials into costly burden for grieving families

Rawalpindi: 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.