Imported mobile phones: NA body concerned at high taxes

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance expressed serious concern over high taxes on imported mobile phones, which, according to the panel, are forcing people to rely on grey-market channels to obtain these devices. The committee met here on Wednesday, and it witnessed strong criticism over the heavy taxes imposed on mobile phones brought into Pakistan, particularly those carried by overseas Pakistanis. The issue was raised by MNA Ali Qasim Gilani, who said that excessive taxation on imported mobile phones was creating unnecessary hardship not only for overseas Pakistanis but also for millions of local users.