PTA hints support for cut in taxes on imported mobile phones; prices likely to drop

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has voiced support for reducing the heavy taxes levied on imported mobile phones, raising hopes that smartphone prices in Pakistan could see a significant decline by 2026.

PTA officials noted that the current tax structure has made it difficult for many people to afford modern smartphones, with public concern over the issue steadily growing.

According to sources, the PTA has formally recommended to the government that mobile phones are no longer a luxury item but a necessity for education, business, digital banking, and online employment. In this context, the high duties and taxes on imported phones have created barriers for ordinary consumers seeking access to modern technology.

The authority also highlighted challenges faced by Pakistanis returning from abroad. High taxes have made mobile phone registration at airports an expensive and cumbersome process, prompting repeated complaints from overseas Pakistanis.

The PTA believes that an appropriate reduction in taxes would not only provide relief to the public but also encourage legal imports of mobile phones. Experts note that Pakistan’s smartphone prices are currently much higher than in neighboring countries, driving smuggling and the use of unregistered devices. Reducing taxes could increase market competition and potentially boost government revenue over the long term.

PTA officials expressed optimism that the federal government may reconsider mobile phone taxation in the next fiscal year’s budget or the 2026 policy. If approved, consumers in Pakistan could expect more affordable access to modern smartphones, advancing the vision of a “Digital Pakistan.”

Web Desk