Senate Committee Rejects 18% Sales Tax on Mobile Phones Under $200

The Senate Standing Committee has dismissed a proposal to impose an 18 percent sales tax on mobile phones priced up to $200.

The decision came during a meeting chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla. The committee members unanimously opposed the tax increase.

“Mobile phone is not a luxury item, imposing tax will make phones expensive,” stated Anusha Rahman, a committee member, during the meeting.

Rahman highlighted that the IMF’s conditions have disproportionately burdened the poor. “There are taxes on phones for the poor, taxes on calls, and taxes on charging,” she emphasized.

She also pointed out that investors are leaving the country due to the actions of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).