The federal government is actively reviewing proposals aimed at reducing PTA mobile phone taxes for overseas Pakistanis, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate on Thursday.
While responding to a supplementary question raised by Senator Abid Sher Ali during the Question Hour session, the minister said overseas Pakistanis have consistently demanded relief in mobile phone taxation during various overseas conventions held in the country.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry explained that mobile phones brought into Pakistan from abroad remain operational for only a short period, usually a few weeks. After that duration, services are suspended unless users pay the required Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax to register the device.
He noted that the taxation system currently varies according to different mobile phone models and categories. According to the minister, the government is carefully examining ways to reduce the financial burden on overseas Pakistanis regarding PTA taxes on imported mobile devices.
The minister further indicated that authorities are taking the matter seriously in response to repeated concerns raised by Pakistanis living abroad, many of whom consider the taxes excessively high.
The discussion comes shortly after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Tax Policy Unit to evaluate possible rationalization of duties and taxes imposed on imported mobile phones in the upcoming federal budget for 2026-27.
The committee had asked relevant authorities to review the current taxation framework and explore measures that could make mobile phone registration more affordable for consumers, particularly overseas Pakistanis who frequently bring devices into the country.
The issue of PTA taxes has remained a major concern among overseas Pakistanis for several years, with many urging the government to simplify procedures and lower charges on imported smartphones and other mobile devices.
Government officials say discussions are ongoing, and possible relief measures may be announced as part of the next federal budget, depending on the outcome of policy reviews and recommendations by the concerned departments.
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