ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is considering changes to the tax regime for imported mobile phones, a move that could provide relief to smartphone users, particularly owners of premium devices such as iPhones.
Speaking before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial said the government is reviewing the tax structure on imported handsets and may reduce duties on certain categories of mobile phones. The proposal is aimed at balancing revenue generation with consumer affordability.
According to the FBR chief, taxes collected from imported mobile phones contribute significantly to the national exchequer, with Apple devices accounting for a substantial share of the revenue.
The high taxes imposed on premium smartphones have long been a concern for consumers, as registration costs for some flagship models run into hundreds of thousands of rupees.
Any reduction in duties could lower the overall cost of legally registering imported phones and encourage greater compliance with the country’s mobile device registration framework.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a temporary registration facility for overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors.
Under the new arrangement, eligible individuals can use their personal mobile phones in Pakistan for up to 120 days without paying registration taxes.
The facility, offered through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), is intended to ease connectivity issues for short-term visitors and overseas Pakistanis who bring their personal devices into the country and require access to local mobile networks during their stay.
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