Pakistan Debates High PTA Mobile Phone Taxes

At last, the high PTA mobile taxes in Pakistan are being questioned at the national level, as the MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gilani’s push for a review. A key meeting is scheduled for December 3, which is raising hopes that the government may finally ease the financial burden on smartphone users across the country.

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The high duty Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes on mobile phones have finally caught the attention of the authorities in Pakistan as MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gilani brought into light the burden of these charges on ordinary citizens. His efforts have sparked hope among millions who are striving to buy smartphones because of the rapidly increasing prices. Gilani prepared to move a resolution against high taxes with the help of various political parties and then postponed it after the government agreed to discuss the issue in the Finance Committee meeting on December 3.

He explained to the Finance Committee of the National Assembly that heavy import duties, sales taxes, and compulsory registration fees are making smartphones unnecessarily expensive. These costs affect people who rely on mobile phones for education, work, online classes, banking, and other government services.

At present, there is a 25% sales tax levied, in addition to 18% GST on all phones whose price exceeds USD 500, apart from other charges imposed through the DIRBS. Policymakers are increasingly worried that such policies are holding back digital adoption and creating obstacles for small businesses relying on mobile technology. Given the upcoming meeting, users are once again hoping that reforms in taxes might finally be taken up.