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In mid-October this year, the FBR imposed a tax of Rs 250 on mobile phones worth Rs 15,000 or more, while Rs 300 was levied on cheaper phones worth Rs 6,000 or more. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance on Wednesday adjourned discussion on heavy taxes imposed on mobile phones until its next session, amid concerns over the impact on overseas Pakistanis and local users.
The matter was discussed during a meeting chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, with the committee members pointing out that the matter involves both the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Committee member Ali Qasim Gilani said taxes on imported mobile phones affect not only overseas Pakistanis but also millions of domestic users. Excessive taxes are pushing people towards gray fraud,” Gilani said.
“Overseas Pakistanis bring their phones with them, and we don’t allow more than one per person. If a phone is brought from abroad, you pay tax again here,” Gilani said. He added that people usually have two phones: one registered with the PTA and another unregistered.
Gilani pointed out that taxes on mobile phones are varied and extremely high.
