The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shown interest in lowering mobile phone taxation to make smartphones accessible to the citizens. The rising costs have been a major concern, and thus regulators have been seeking a way out.
According to Brigadier (R) Amir Shehzad, the Director General of licensing of PTA, the PTA does not collect taxes. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) charges these on both imported and local devices. He pointed out that PTA officials, too, are paying these taxes just like other citizens and are aware of the financial strain among consumers.
The announcement can affect the negotiations between telecom operators, government regulators, and consumer organizations. Reduction in taxes on smartphones would increase digital connectivity in Pakistan and increase access to technology.
