Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has called for a review of taxes on older mobile phones in Pakistan, saying the Tax Policy Office should be approached to consider possible relief for consumers.
Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, the minister said the Tax Policy Office had the authority to increase or decrease taxes on different products. She suggested inviting its representatives to brief the committee on potential adjustments to taxes imposed on older mobile handsets.
The discussion comes amid ongoing concerns about the cost of mobile phones in Pakistan, where taxes can affect the final prices paid by consumers. A review of taxes on older devices could open the door to discussions about making these handsets more affordable, although no reduction has been announced so far.
During the committee meeting, Shaza Fatima explained that the Tax Policy Office should provide details about the available options for adjusting taxes on older phones. The proposed briefing would allow lawmakers to examine the issue and consider whether changes to the existing tax structure are possible.
Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also attended the meeting. Their participation brought together government bodies involved in telecommunications policy, regulation and revenue matters.
Mobile phone taxation remains an important issue for consumers because handsets are widely used for communication, education, employment, digital payments and access to online services. The price of a device can influence whether people purchase new models or continue using older phones.
If the relevant authorities decide to revise taxes on older handsets, the potential impact would depend on the scope of the changes and the categories of devices covered. However, the minister’s statement represents a call for consideration rather than confirmation that the government has approved a tax cut.
The proposed consultation with the Tax Policy Office is expected to provide the committee with further information about possible adjustments. Its representatives would be in a position to explain the existing framework and discuss the options available for changing taxes on older mobile phones.
For now, consumers should not assume that phone prices or applicable taxes have changed. Any relief would depend on a formal decision by the relevant authorities and the announcement of the applicable policy details.
The development keeps the issue of mobile phone affordability on the government’s agenda, with the next step being a closer examination of potential tax changes through the appropriate policy process.