ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue signaled tax cuts for overseas Pakistanis who bring used mobile phones. FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial shared the plan during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. He said the government may lower taxes on used devices carried by expatriates.
Officials also reviewed duties on low-value used phones that expatriates frequently bring into the country. Langrial said a formal proposal for mobile phone tax reductions will be finalized by March 2026. He emphasized the need to balance revenue concerns with relief for overseas Pakistanis.
PTA reports sharp rise in local mobile production
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman presented updated figures on mobile phone trends in Pakistan. He said only 6 percent of mobile phones enter the country through imports. He added that nearly 94 percent of devices are now locally manufactured. Locally produced phones carry a minimal tax rate of nearly 5 to 6 percent.
Customs Member Shakeel Shah said the government collected Rs82 billion in mobile phone taxes this year. He said Rs18 billion came from imported devices.
Lawmakers urge relief for expatriates
MNA Ali Qasim Gillani proposed a tax-free allowance for one mobile phone per year for overseas Pakistanis. He argued that current duties on high-end devices remain excessively high. He said taxes on an iPhone 12 now exceed its actual price. He added that expatriates contribute billions in remittances and deserve incentives in return.
The committee agreed to revisit the proposal and examine potential incentives for overseas Pakistanis. Members stressed the need for policy adjustments that support consumers while preserving state revenue.
