The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance reviewed the taxation system applied to imported mobile phones after receiving a petition from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. During the meeting, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial explained that the country’s mobile market is now overwhelmingly dominated by locally manufactured and assembled phones. According to him, about 95 percent of all devices used in Pakistan are produced domestically, meaning taxes apply only to the small share of imported handsets.
Langrial highlighted that high-end phones, particularly the latest iPhone models, carry taxes reaching up to Rs. 150,000. He questioned why individuals who can afford such premium devices should be exempt from paying the associated taxes. He emphasized that the current taxation structure impacts only around 5 percent of consumers, making it a non-issue for the vast majority of mobile users in the country.
He also informed the committee that the FBR is preparing a comprehensive report covering all aspects of taxation on imported phones. This report will be presented to parliament by March and will also be shared with the standing committee for further review. After receiving his briefing, the committee concluded its discussion on the issue, signaling that future policy adjustments will be based on the findings of the upcoming report.
