ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on Wednesday postponed discussion on the heavy taxes imposed on mobile phones, delaying the matter until its next meeting. Lawmakers raised concerns over the impact of these taxes on overseas Pakistanis and millions of local users.
During the meeting chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, members noted that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of both the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Committee member Ali Qasim Gilani said high taxes on imported mobile phones were driving people toward the grey market.
He highlighted that overseas Pakistanis often bring their own devices but face additional taxes upon arrival, while domestic users commonly keep two phones—one PTA-registered and one unregistered—due to high levies. Gilani added that mobile phone taxes remain inconsistent and excessively high.
