Govt criticised for ‘additional taxes’ on cell phone users

Author: Web Desk

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senators Karim Khawaja, Engineer GianChand and Aajiz Dhamra declared the additional taxes on mobile phone users as inhuman as the technology has become every citizen’s necessity.

Almost 80% of mobile phone users in Pakistan are from low-income ranks and should be provided due relief. PPP’s statement said that the government deducts up to 30% on every fresh recharge with network service providers deducting Rs 0.15 on each call in addition to the fixed call rates – which is nothing but purloining.

The federal government already receives billions in taxes from mobile phone users – who are not included in the tax net and the account where this revenue goes to is still unclear, they said.

They demanded the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take action against the mobile phone companies for covertly deducting Rs 0.15 on each call in addition to the fixed deduction charges. PTA should also take measures for return of such money to the users, they said.

They further demanded the government to provide relief to the mobile phone users and of imposing taxes only on the purchase of expensive mobile phones.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Top Stories

‘We are well aware of our constitutional limits’: Gen Asim Munir

During his address at the passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force at the…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan

PIA Issues Travel Advisories for UAE-bound Passengers Amidst Stormy Weather

  In light of the severe weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan…

6 hours ago
  • Business

Investors scour the globe for shelter as Wall Street shakes

Global investors are eyeing European and emerging market assets to protect themselves from further turbulence…

11 hours ago
  • Business

Fed to hold rates steady as inflation dims hopes for policy easing

U.S. central bank officials will conclude their latest two-day policy meeting on Wednesday with a…

11 hours ago
  • Business

Asian markets track Wall St down as Fed looms

Asian stocks sank in holiday-thinned trade Wednesday, tracking a sharp sell-off on Wall Street after…

11 hours ago
  • Business

Bank of Japan’s hawkish whispers drowned out by rowdy yen selloff

The Bank of Japan's decision to keep policy unchanged last week gave yen bears plenty…

11 hours ago