FBR Defends Rs. 150,000 Tax on iPhones

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance reviewed the tax structure on imported mobile phones after a petition from the FPCCI. Chairman Federal Board Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the committee, stating that 95 percent of mobile phones used in Pakistan are manufactured locally and that taxes apply only to imported devices. He noted that new iPhone models face taxes of up to Rs. 150,000 and questioned why anyone able to purchase such devices should avoid paying these charges. He stressed that the issue affects only about 5 percent of consumers. Langrial said a detailed report on imported phone taxation will be submitted to parliament by March and shared with the standing committee. Following his briefing, the committee concluded its discussion on the matter.