FBR Updates Senate Panel: 95% of Mobile Phones Assembled Locally, Not Taxed

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told the Senate Standing Committee on Finance that only 5% of Android phones are imported, with 95% now assembled locally. A detailed report on import duties is under review in the National Assembly and will be shared with the Senate Committee.

During the session chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, lawmakers discussed several financial and regulatory issues, including the SECP Amendment Bill 2025, bank dress codes, and Pakistan Single Window (PSW). Senator Anusha Rahman highlighted that only three of 19 regulatory bodies can set their own salaries, citing a 17-month retrospective hike by the SECP Board flagged by the AGPR.

Despite opposition from the Finance Ministry, senators supported moving the bill forward. It was deferred to the next meeting for broader consensus, following a request from Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani.

The committee praised PSW for integrating over 23 government services and requested a detailed presentation in the next session. Senator Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur raised concerns over alleged compulsory Abaya rules for female bank staff, which banks denied. Senators emphasized culturally appropriate dress codes, with Senator Talha Mahmood citing guidance from Surah An-Nur and Surah Al-Ahzab.

Lawmakers also questioned the SECP’s Rs. 7 million Islamabad Club payment for outgoing Commissioner Abdul Rehman Warriach. The SECP chairman said the settlement would occur at term’s end. Senators recommended pausing all such payments until the Public Accounts Committee reviews the AGPR audit in December.

The committee will resume the SECP Amendment Bill review and examine reports on PSW and mobile phone duties in its next sitting.