The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance recently reviewed the tax structure on imported mobile phones following a petition from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the committee, stating that 95 percent of mobile phones used in Pakistan are manufactured locally. He emphasized that the tax only applies to imported devices, which affects a small portion of consumers.
Langrial highlighted that new iPhone models face taxes of up to Rs. 150,000. He questioned why individuals able to afford such high-end devices should avoid paying the applicable tax. According to him, this issue concerns only about 5 percent of mobile phone users in the country.
The chairman also mentioned that a detailed report on the taxation of imported phones will be prepared and submitted to parliament by March. This report will be shared with the Standing Committee on Finance to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current tax policies and their impact on imports.
The committee concluded its discussion after the briefing, while members agreed that a careful review is necessary to ensure the tax system is fair and supports local manufacturing. The committee stressed that tax policies should balance revenue generation and consumer fairness without discouraging imports unnecessarily.
This review reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its tax system and improve transparency. By focusing on imported mobile phones, authorities aim to ensure that individuals purchasing luxury devices contribute their share while protecting the local manufacturing sector.
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The Standing Committee’s review of mobile phone tax structures highlights the government’s commitment to a fair and efficient tax system, which benefits both the economy and consumers. The detailed report in March is expected to provide recommendations for adjustments if needed.
