ISLAMABAD — Imported smartphone users may get more flexibility in paying mobile phone taxes. The proposed facility would allow payments through monthly instalments.

PPP MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gilani announced the development in a statement shared on social media. He said users could avoid paying the full amount upfront.

Under the announced arrangement, taxes ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs250,000 could be paid monthly. The expected instalments would range between Rs8,000 and Rs17,000.

Gilani said the move followed nearly two years of efforts. He said the proposal aimed to reduce the immediate financial burden on smartphone users.

The commonly used term PTA tax refers to taxes and duties applied to imported mobile phones. However, PTA officials have clarified that the authority does not impose or collect these taxes.

Gilani also announced a reduction of around Rs18,000 under the Regulatory Duty head. Recent government changes have reduced regulatory and additional customs duties on imported phones.

The development follows discussions in the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications. Lawmakers have been examining the high tax burden on imported smartphones.

During a recent committee meeting, PTA officials clarified their position on the proposed instalment system. They said tax matters fall under the Federal Board of Revenue.

PTA representatives also said the authority does not collect the relevant taxes. They questioned why PTA would develop an instalment system for taxes it does not collect.

Gilani said the FBR had previously indicated that an instalment mechanism was available through PTA. This created uncertainty over which institution would manage the proposed facility.

The IT secretary also told the committee that he was unaware of the instalment mechanism. He said he would discuss the matter with the PTA chairman.

The committee subsequently sought a detailed briefing on the issue. Officials are expected to provide further clarification at a future meeting.

The PTA tax issue has remained a concern for consumers importing smartphones into Pakistan. The National Assembly has previously reviewed the taxation structure for imported mobile devices.

The government has also introduced changes to certain duties on imported smartphones. These changes are separate from the proposed instalment mechanism.

For consumers, the key issue remains how and when the instalment facility will operate. Further details are expected once the relevant authorities clarify the payment process.

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The proposed PTA tax instalment option could change how consumers manage large mobile phone tax bills. However, official details about its implementation still require clarification.