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...