Overseas Pakistanis may get relief in PTA mobile phone taxes

The government is reviewing proposals to provide relief in Pakistan Telecommunication Authority taxes on mobile phones brought into the country by overseas Pakistanis, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the Senate on Thursday.

Responding during the Question Hour, the minister said overseas Pakistanis had repeatedly raised concerns about PTA taxes during conventions held in Pakistan. He noted that mobile phones brought from abroad remain functional for a limited time before services are suspended unless the required tax is paid.

He informed the Senate that tax rates vary according to different mobile phone models and said the government was seriously examining options to reduce the burden on expatriates.

The discussion comes after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance recently directed the Federal Board of Revenue and the Tax Policy Unit to review and rationalise duties and taxes on imported mobile phones in the upcoming 2026–27 budget.

Authorities have not yet announced any final decision regarding the proposed relief measures.