The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to introduce an installment plan for paying PTA tax on smartphones. The move aims to make it easier for people using Non-PTA Phones in Pakistan.
During a recent meeting, committee members discussed the growing number of Non-PTA Phones available in the local market. Lawmakers said millions of such devices are being used across the country without official PTA approval.
Members of the committee urged the government to offer an installment-based payment system for PTA taxes and related charges. They said this step would help consumers register their devices without facing a heavy one-time payment burden.
Officials pointed out that installment plans are common worldwide, even for low-cost products. They argued that allowing tax payments in parts could increase compliance and make registration easier for the public.
Committee Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar instructed the FBR to work closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The purpose is to prepare a practical proposal for installment payments on Non-PTA Phones.
During the discussion, some lawmakers questioned the current tax system. They asked whether the taxes were designed mainly to generate revenue or to protect local manufacturers.
FBR officials defended the current tax structure. They said smartphone taxes remain an important source of revenue for the government. At the same time, the Finance Secretary warned that reducing taxes on lower-priced phones could cause a revenue loss of around Rs. 1 billion.
Officials said this loss would need to be covered through other financial measures.
The proposal for installment payments on Non-PTA Phones could provide relief to many smartphone users. It may also encourage more people to register their imported devices legally.
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The final decision will depend on further discussions between FBR and PTA. If approved, the new system could change how mobile phone taxes are paid in Pakistan.
