The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has come out in support of reducing taxes on mobile phones brought into the country. This move aims to make smartphones more affordable for everyday users across Pakistan.
According to Amer Shahzad, Director-General (Wireless – Licensing) at PTA, the organization itself doesn’t impose these taxes — that responsibility lies with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He also clarified that PTA staff pay the same import taxes as everyone else; there are no free or tax-exempt phones for employees.
High import duties have long pushed the cost of smartphones out of reach for many Pakistanis. Lowering these taxes could bring several benefits: reduce the financial burden on students and lower-income families, discourage smuggling, increase legal imports, and ultimately boost mobile usage. More affordable devices mean broader internet access, which in turn supports growth in the telecom industry.
While PTA doesn’t set tax rates, its public support for tax relief sends a powerful message. The authority’s stance underscores its commitment to both affordability and transparency. By making mobile devices cheaper and more accessible, Pakistan can foster greater digital inclusion and fuel long-term growth in its technology ecosystem.