Taxing mobiles brought from abroad to amplify revenue collection: Senate

January 16, 2018 (MLN): The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications on Tuesday chaired by Senator Rubina Khalid, discussed the matters pertaining to streamline the process for collection of custom duty on cell phones on arrival at airports and extension of time period to block unregistered IMEI cell phones, revealed an official press release.

Senator Fida Muhammad probed the panel regarding revenue generated by this measure. 

The Committee was informed that since 40% mobiles enter the country through grey channels, this measure will generate huge revenue for the country.

The Committee was also informed that taxes would be charged in three slabs (less than USD 60, more than USD 60 and USD 130 and more).

Objecting to the measure Senator Taj Muhammad Afridi was of the view that international duty structure must be followed. He recommended that the Finance Minister be present in the next meeting.

Senator Faisal Javed was of the view that imposing high taxes on mobiles being brought in Pakistan from abroad was pointless unless Pakistan established its own local industry.

Moreover, Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh recommended that to protect the common man from being fleeced, it was imperative that mobiles being brought for commercial use be segregated from those being brought for personal utility.

Chairperson Committee, Senator Rubina Khalid directed that the 30 day margin for registering a new mobile bought from abroad is less and must be extended to 60 days. 

She suggested making the DIRBS program workable so that both the government and the people of Pakistan benefit from it, it is imperative that duties be rationalized. 

The Committee showed displeasure at the lack of awareness of PTA regarding this issue.

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