The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance opened its meeting by reviewing taxes on mobile phones brought by overseas Pakistanis. The discussion quickly gained importance because the issue affects millions of citizens across the country.

Overseas Pakistanis Face Heavy Taxes

MNA Ali Qasim Gilani said overseas Pakistanis pay heavy taxes even when they bring a single mobile phone. He added that returning citizens also face fresh taxes on devices they already own.

He explained that high duties push people toward grey-market solutions. Many users now carry separate PTA and non-PTA phones. He also noted that multiple taxes on mobile devices are excessive and cannot be reclaimed like other taxes.

He pointed out that even a six-year-old iPhone 12 still carries a tax of Rs. 75,000, which he called unreasonable.

PTA and FBR Share Responsibility

Committee Chairman Naveed Qamar said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) handles all taxation matters. However, the FBR chairman did not attend the meeting, which halted the discussion.

The PTA Chairman clarified that PTA does not impose taxes. He stressed that FBR alone decides taxes on mobile phones.

Issue Deferred Until Next Meeting

The committee postponed the matter until the next meeting. Members agreed that FBR must brief the committee before any decision is made.

PTA Chairman Favors Lower Taxes

Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, the PTA Chairman said the government decides tax rates on imported mobile phones. He stated that PTA supports lower taxes to reduce the burden on consumers.

He added that older imported phones should face lower taxes. He emphasized that tax policy should focus on both affordability and consumer compliance.

For more updates on telecom, taxes, and policy developments, visit:
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