The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reduced taxes on imported mobile phones by up to 45 percent in a bid to prevent smuggling, according to a media report.
Earlier, the government had started the implementation of already applicable taxes on cell phones brought into the country by international passengers. However, the FBR and the government have now decided to lower these taxes.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the FBR are collaborating to curb the smuggling of mobile phones, which incurs a huge loss the country’s economy every year.
The board has also made it mandatory for international travelers to register their phones with PTA. FBR has also advised the public to beware of the smuggling mafia which either uses people’s credentials illegally or sells them illegal phones.
Do note that if international travelers fail to register their phones within a time frame of 60 days, they will have to pay an extra 10 percent fine with the tax.
