Mobile Phones Tax Installment Plan Remains Unclear as PTA Distances Itself From Collection

The issue of allowing tax payments on imported mobile phones in installments has again come under discussion, with lawmakers seeking clarity over who would be responsible for designing such a facility.

During a meeting, committee member Ali Qasim Gilani asked for an update on the proposed installment mechanism, referring to an earlier statement by the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue that the matter had been discussed with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. 

PTA officials, however, said the levy in question is not a PTA tax and that the authority does not collect it.

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“When we do not collect the tax, why would we prepare an installment plan?” PTA officials told the committee. 

Gilani responded that lawmakers were aware the levy is commonly referred to as “PTA tax,” but noted that the FBR had previously told the Finance Committee that discussions had taken place with PTA on the matter. 

The Secretary of IT said the ministry was not aware of what discussion had taken place between the FBR chairman and PTA chairman regarding the proposed installment facility. 

The exchange highlighted continued uncertainty over which institution would take the lead if the government decides to allow imported mobile phone duties and taxes to be paid in installments.

The matter is expected to be taken up again in the next committee meeting, where officials are likely to be asked for a clearer position on the proposed payment mechanism.

For now, no formal installment plan has been announced for taxes and duties payable on imported mobile phones.