PTA supports rationalisation of mobile device taxes to boost smartphone affordability

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has thrown its weight behind a review of levies on handsets so that smartphones become cheaper for ordinary buyers, according to Business Recorder. The regulator also called for safeguarding domestic handset assembly and cracking down on smuggled devices. It noted, however, that its statutory role is confined to technical assessment, while the Federal Board of Revenue holds sole authority over duties and taxes.

In a briefing for a Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat session set for August 21, the authority argued that any tax framework must balance smartphone affordability against the viability of local production versus completely built-up imports. Such a system, it said, would also deter smuggling and manipulation of IMEI numbers. The authority's views formed part of a presentation where it and Pakistan Customs were to explain to lawmakers the valuation of imported phones, including older models.