The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has supported rationalizing duties and taxes on mobile phones to make smartphones more affordable in Pakistan. The regulator also stressed the need to protect local mobile phone manufacturing. At the same time, it called for measures to curb illegal imports and related practices.
In its response prepared for the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, PTA clarified its role. The authority said it is responsible only for the technical evaluation of mobile devices.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) handles the imposition, assessment, collection and administration of duties and taxes. However, PTA said it supports tax rationalization under the government’s digital transformation agenda.
The regulator said any new taxation framework should balance smartphone affordability with the growth of local manufacturing. It also highlighted the need to maintain a fair position against completely built-up (CBU) imports.
According to PTA, a balanced tax structure could make smartphones more affordable for consumers. It could also discourage illegal imports and practices such as International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) tampering.
The issue was discussed at the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat meeting held on August 21. PTA and Pakistan Customs authorities briefed lawmakers on the valuation of imported mobile phones.
The briefing also covered the revaluation of older phone models and the rationalization of related taxes. PTA’s position adds to the ongoing debate over mobile phone prices and taxation in Pakistan.
