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In mid-October this year, the FBR imposed a duty of Rs 250 on mobile phones worth Rs 15,000. or more, while Rs300 was charged on cheaper phones worth Rs6,000 or more. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly’s standing committee on finance on Wednesday postponed the discussion on heavy taxes on mobile phones to its next session due to concerns over the impact on overseas Pakistanis and local users.
The matter was discussed during a meeting chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, where committee members noted that the issue involves both the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Ali Qasim Gilani, a committee member, said the taxation of imported mobile phones not only affects overseas Pakistanis but also millions of domestic users. Excessive taxes are pushing people towards gray fraud,” Gilani said.
“Overseas Pakistanis bring their phones and we don’t allow more than one per person. If a phone is brought from abroad, it is taxed again here,” Gilani said. He added that people often keep two phones – one registered with the PTA and one unregistered.
Gilani pointed out that mobile phone charges are varied and extremely high.
