The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance held a detailed review of the tax system applied to imported mobile phones after receiving a petition from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI).
During the briefing, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial told lawmakers that nearly 95% of mobile phones used in Pakistan are domestically manufactured, meaning the tax burden applies primarily to imported handsets.
He highlighted that the latest iPhone models carry duties of up to Rs. 150,000, questioning why buyers of premium devices should be exempt from such charges. Langrial added that the policy impacts only a small share of consumers — roughly 5% of the market.
The FBR chief informed the committee that a comprehensive report on imported mobile phone taxation will be submitted to parliament by March, after which the findings will be shared with the standing committee.
Following his remarks, the committee wrapped up its discussion on the issue.
