Smartphone users in Pakistan may now get relief from heavy PTA taxes on imported phones. The new option allows users to pay taxes through monthly instalments.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Kasim Gillani announced the development on Monday. He said the facility would make large tax payments easier for consumers.

Gillani said the move followed nearly two years of efforts. He has been pushing for measures to reduce the burden on imported smartphone users.

In a post on X, Gillani described the instalment facility as some relief for consumers. He said many users have struggled with high taxes on imported smartphones.

Under the new arrangement, users can spread large PTA tax bills over monthly payments. Tax bills ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs250,000 may qualify.

According to Gillani, monthly payments could range from around Rs8,000 to Rs17,000. The exact payment amount would depend on the total tax liability.

The instalment system could help users avoid paying a large amount upfront. It may also make phone registration more manageable for consumers.

Gillani said he would continue working for greater relief and additional concessions. He maintained that the current measures were not the final goal.

The issue of high mobile phone taxes gained greater attention during parliamentary discussions. Lawmakers have argued that smartphones should be treated as essential tools.

The matter was raised in the National Assembly on June 11. Gillani called for a review of the existing mobile phone tax structure.

He said high charges were making smartphones difficult to afford. Students and low-income users were among those facing greater financial pressure.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also supported the broader argument. Lawmakers displayed placards describing mobile phones as a necessity.

Gillani has linked mobile phone taxation with Pakistan’s digital divide. He said smartphones are increasingly important for education and business.

Mobile devices also provide access to communication and online services. High taxes can therefore create additional barriers for ordinary users.

Reducing taxes could help more people access digital technology. It could also reduce financial pressure on consumers seeking imported smartphones.

By June 22, Gillani said progress had been made on mobile phone taxation. He described recent policy changes as a step forward.

He also said the government had reduced regulatory duty on imported mobile phones. The reduction was reported at 20 percent.

Customs duties on some mid-range devices were also reduced. These devices were priced between $200 and $300.

Gillani said the measures provided some relief but did not meet his ultimate objective. He has continued to call for the complete removal of PTA tax.

An instalment-based payment system was among the key proposals discussed by lawmakers. The proposal was included through an enabling provision in the Finance Bill.

Under the proposed mechanism, PTA and the Federal Board of Revenue would develop a payment plan. Consumers could then divide their tax payments into monthly instalments.

The facility could help users register phones that might otherwise remain unregistered. High upfront costs have been a major concern for many consumers.

The new arrangement could offer relief to users facing bills of Rs100,000 or more. It may also provide greater flexibility for those unable to make one-time payments.

However, Gillani has indicated that further reforms remain necessary. He continues to seek additional reductions in mobile phone taxes.

The latest development follows months of parliamentary discussions. Lawmakers are continuing to debate ways to make smartphones more affordable.

For consumers, the instalment option could ease immediate financial pressure. It may also make the registration process more accessible.

The move provides some relief while broader discussions over PTA taxation continue. The government may face further calls for tax reductions in the future.

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