Federal government ministers have voiced strong opposition to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) recently imposed tax on mobile phones, calling it excessive and unjust. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers and digital rights advocates, who say it could negatively impact millions of Pakistanis’ access to technology.
Member of National Assembly Syed Ali Qasim Gilani expressed his gratitude on X to IT Minister Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Kayani, and Chairman Senate Finance Committee Saleem Mandviwala for standing against the PTA tax. He noted that even officials within the PTA reportedly do not support the heavy levy.
Last week, Qasim had urged the Standing Committee on Finance to review mobile phone taxation, emphasizing that the current measures could slow technological progress and restrict digital access across the country. Critics argue that such policies risk hampering connectivity, innovation, and the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy, making reconsideration of the tax imperative.
