PhoneWorld · সাধারণ

Pakistan Collects Over Rs. 66 Billion in Telecom Super Tax as Senate Reveals Mobile Phone Tax Rates

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The federal government collected more than Rs. 66 billion in super tax from Pakistan’s telecom sector between FY2015-16 and FY2025-26, according to figures submitted by the Ministry of Finance to the Senate.

The figures were presented alongside information on sales tax applicable to mobile SIM activation, imported smartphones, and locally supplied mobile phones.

The ministry’s sector-wise statement records approximately Rs. 66.08 billion in telecom-sector super tax collections over the reporting period. Collections reached around Rs. 11.41 billion in FY2024-25 and Rs. 29.80 billion in FY2025-26, according to the submitted table.

How Much Sales Tax Applies to Mobile Phones in Pakistan?

The information presented to the Senate outlined different sales tax treatment depending on a mobile phone’s import value and whether it is imported or supplied locally.

According to the submitted briefing, fully assembled imported mobile phones valued at up to $500 attract an 18% sales tax, while those valued above $500 fall into the 25% sales tax category. The general sales tax rate for locally supplied mobile phones is stated as 18%.

The briefing also stated that a Rs. 250 sales tax is charged on activation of each mobile SIM. However, the current legal applicability of this charge requires confirmation against the relevant provisions and effective dates in the Sales Tax Act.

These sales tax rates do not necessarily represent the total amount a consumer pays to import or register a smartphone. Depending on the device and applicable rules, other duties, levies, and withholding taxes may affect the final cost.

Telecom Super Tax Collections Rise Sharply

The ministry’s figures show that telecom-sector super tax receipts increased substantially during the later years of the reporting period. Collections were approximately Rs. 281 million in FY2015-16, Rs. 6.16 billion in FY2022-23, Rs. 6.33 billion in FY2023-24, Rs. 11.41 billion in FY2024-25 and Rs. 29.80 billion in FY2025-26.

The data indicates that FY2025-26 accounted for a considerable portion of the sector’s cumulative super tax collections. However, the sector-level figures alone do not establish the amounts paid by individual telecom operators or the causes of year-to-year changes.

The disclosures come amid continued discussion about smartphone affordability and taxation in Pakistan. For consumers, the distinction between sales tax categories is relevant because taxation can affect the final cost of imported and locally supplied mobile phones.