Pakistan’s tax revenue has surged by 105% since FY22—far outpacing anemic 1.8% average GDP growth. The salaried class and businesses now bear a crushing burden, with their tax liabilities up by 206% and 131% respectively. Despite claims of a 10% Tax-to-GDP ratio, the real burden—including levies like the Petroleum Development Levy—has already hit 12.2% and is headed for 13.1% in FY26. This unsustainable extraction threatens growth, fuels informality, and risks capital flight.