Chairman Senate’s Son Wants End of PTA Tax on Mobile Phones

Member of the National Assembly Syed Ali Qasim Gillani has urged the Standing Committee on Finance to review what he described as unreasonably high taxes on mobile phones. He warned that the current regime is restricting digital access for millions of Pakistanis and slowing the country’s technological progress. In a letter addressed to committee members, Gillani said that smartphones are now essential for education, commerce, and access to government and financial services. He argued that high import duties, sales tax, and registration fees imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority are pushing costs beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. He pointed out that phones imported with a value above USD 500 now face a 25 percent sales tax in addition to 18 percent general sales tax. Locally assembled and imported devices also face further levies, including fees applied through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System. He said these costs collectively raise barriers for consumers, especially low-income and first-time smartphone users. Gillani noted that phones are no longer luxury goods but basic tools for economic and social participation. He said the tax burden undermines digital inclusion efforts, increases the cost of doing business, and limits the potential of Pakistan’s growing online services sector. He warned that these policies could slow innovation and weaken Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. He called for a balanced approach that ensures revenue for the government while supporting affordable smartphone access and broader technological adoption. Gillani asked the committee to review the issue urgently in line with its mandate on public finance and economic reform.