ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The government of Pakistan may soon review the current tax structure on smartphones after lawmakers raised concerns over the high PTA taxes imposed on mobile phone users.
The issue has been taken up by the chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, who said the matter will be discussed with the Federal Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan.
Kasim Gilani said officials from the relevant institutions will brief the committee on the current smartphone taxation system and possible adjustments.
Following up on the unfair PTA tax regime on smartphones that we raised in December last year. The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Finance has assured us that the FBR and the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to rationalise smartphone taxation will be placed before the…
— Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) March 8, 2026
Lawmakers say the review aims to find a balance between protecting government revenue and making smartphones more affordable for the public.
Officials noted that smartphones are no longer luxury items but essential tools used for communication, education, business, and digital services.
The committee is expected to examine whether the current PTA taxes, including PTA-related charges, should be rationalized to improve access to modern technology.
