The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged the government to reduce heavy taxes on imported mobile phones, promising relief for consumers and potentially lowering smartphone prices in Pakistan in 2026.
PTA officials told private TV channel Hum News that high duties are preventing many Pakistanis from purchasing modern smartphones, which are now essential for education, business, digital banking, and online employment.
“Mobile phones are no longer luxury items; they are a necessity for everyday life,” a PTA official said.
The authority highlighted that overseas Pakistanis also face challenges when bringing phones back home due to expensive registration and taxes at airports. PTA believes that reducing taxes will not only help consumers but also encourage legal imports and curb smuggling.
Experts note that smartphone prices in Pakistan are currently higher than in neighboring countries, creating market inefficiencies. PTA officials expressed hope that the government will consider tax reductions in the upcoming 2026 budget or policy, which could make modern devices more accessible and support the vision of a Digital Pakistan.
