A parliamentary panel has flagged what it described as “astronomically high” taxes on mobile phones in Pakistan, raising concerns over affordability and digital access.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Naveed Qamar, on Thursday directed the Tax Policy Office to submit a detailed report on the taxation framework for imported and locally manufactured devices.
The committee noted that income tax on mobile phones was effectively being treated as a sales tax and urged a policy review.
During a briefing, Rashid Mahmood Langrial informed members that imported phones priced above $500 face taxes of around Rs76,000, translating into an effective rate exceeding 54 percent. Devices in the $700–$750 range attract nearly 55 percent taxation, while locally assembled units are taxed at about 25 percent.
The meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was held today under the Chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA at Parliament House, Islamabad. #NACommittee @naveedqamarmna pic.twitter.com/aHbXderXt8
— Committees of NA (@NA_Committees) April 16, 2026
The committee recommended reducing taxes and sought a written explanation of policy objectives, revenue impact, and classification under CBU, CKD, and SKD categories. Officials said changes would be considered in the upcoming budget.
Lawmakers stressed improving affordability, promoting local manufacturing, and expanding access to technology, terming excessive taxation a barrier to digital and economic growth nationwide.
