Pakistan’s government may soon revisit the current tax structure on smartphones after lawmakers raised concerns over the heavy PTA tax burden on mobile phone users. The issue has been taken up by the Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, who said the matter will be discussed with the Federal Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance.
According to Kasim Gilani, the chairman of the committee has assured that the commitment of the Federal Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance to rationalize smartphone taxation will be presented before the panel.
Following up on the unfair PTA tax regime on smartphones that we raised in December last year. The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance has assured us that the FBR and the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to rationalise smartphone taxation will be placed before the…
— Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) March 8, 2026
During recent discussions, the chairman of the finance committee assured that the concerns raised earlier about smartphone taxation would be presented before the committee. Officials from the FBR and the finance ministry are expected to explain the current structure and consider possible adjustments.
Authorities say the purpose of the review is not only to protect government revenue but also to find a reasonable balance that allows more people to access modern technology. Smartphones today are no longer luxury items; they are essential tools for communication, education, business and digital services.
