Govt Urged to Reduce Taxes on Mobile Phones

The Senate Standing Committee urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to reduce mobile phone taxes to more affordable rates to benefit the general public. (However, it was noted that the PTA does not have the authority to reduce mobile phone taxes, as this responsibility lies with the Federal Board of Revenue – FBR.)

During the meeting, the Secretary of IT & Telecom informed the committee that the implementation of a fiberization policy and the introduction of 5G in Pakistan will significantly enhance internet services across the country.

The Senate Standing Committee called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to reduce mobile phone taxes to more affordable rates, making them accessible to the general public. (However, it was clarified that the PTA does not have the authority to lower mobile phone taxes, as this responsibility rests with the Federal Board of Revenue – FBR.)

In the meeting, the Secretary of IT & Telecom briefed the committee that the implementation of a fiberization policy, along with the introduction of 5G technology, will significantly enhance internet services throughout Pakistan.

The Senate Standing Committee urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to reduce mobile phone taxes to more affordable rates to ensure they are accessible to the general public. (It was noted, however, that the PTA does not have the authority to reduce these taxes, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue – FBR.)

During the meeting, the Secretary of IT & Telecom briefed the committee that the introduction of a fiberization policy and the upcoming arrival of 5G technology will significantly enhance internet services across Pakistan.
Highlighting the country’s export performance, an official from the IT Ministry shared that IT exports grew by 37% in 2024, reaching $3.3 billion in the first 11 months, compared to $2.4 billion in the same period of 2023. However, the compound annual growth rate over the past five years stood at just 23%.

The official also mentioned that while IT exports were slightly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the recovery has been strong.

The discussion shifted to infrastructure, with the Secretary of IT & Telecom announcing the addition of four new submarine cables to enhance internet connectivity, three of which are expected to be operational within a year.

Senators raised concerns about ongoing connectivity issues in regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with one member highlighting daily disruptions and challenges in obtaining permits for mobile towers. Another senator criticized the slow internet speeds in Sindh, particularly in Larkana, despite significant investments in connectivity.

The committee also addressed the impact of internet shutdowns on affected districts. PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman acknowledged the fiber connectivity challenges in Balochistan.

Additionally, the Secretary of IT & Telecom informed the committee that the Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched Ex-FATA projects, with ₨. 3 billion allocated to improve connectivity in the merged districts.