A debate over PTA taxes on smartphones has reignited in Pakistan after Member of the National Assembly Syed Ali Kasim Gilani urged the government to review and reduce heavy levies on mobile devices. His statement has renewed public hopes that authorities might soon ease the growing financial strain on mobile users.
In a letter to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Gilani called the current tax structure “excessive and unfair.” He said the high costs are preventing millions of Pakistanis from accessing essential digital tools. According to him, import duties, sales taxes, and registration fees have made smartphones unaffordable for most citizens.
At present, phones priced above USD 500 face a 25% sales tax along with an additional 18% general sales tax. Both locally assembled and imported devices also carry multiple other fees, including registration charges under the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
Gilani warned that such policies are slowing Pakistan’s digital transformation and hurting small businesses dependent on mobile connectivity. “Smartphones are no longer a luxury,” he emphasized. “They are vital for education, employment, and access to government and financial services.”
The lawmaker has called on the finance committee to immediately review these taxes and design a more balanced policy. He suggested that a fairer approach could maintain revenue while ensuring affordability for consumers.
His remarks have fueled speculation that the government may soon consider revising mobile phone taxes to support digital growth. Although no official confirmation has been made yet, the issue has once again gained national attention, giving millions of mobile users fresh hope for relief.