No Relief for Expensive Smartphones? PTA Tax on $500+ Phones Likely to Remain at 25%
Pakistanis hoping for cheaper PTA approvals on premium smartphones may have to wait longer, as the government is unlikely to reduce taxes on mobile phones priced above $500 in the upcoming federal budget. A proposal under consideration suggested cutting the…
Heavy Mobile Taxes Driving Up Package Prices, Slowing Pakistan’s Digital Growth: Study Warns
ISLAMABAD A new industry-backed study has warned that rising telecom taxes and regulatory levies are slowing Pakistan’s digital growth, increasing the cost of mobile connectivity and limiting internet access for millions of consumers. The report argues that high taxation on…
PTA Extends SIM Disowning Period to One Year in Crackdown on Illegal SIM Registrations
ISLAMABAD The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has extended the SIM disowning period from 60 days to 365 days in a major move aimed at curbing illegal SIM issuance and unauthorized mobile registrations across Pakistan. Under the revised policy, newly activated SIM…
Pakistan to Launch ‘Tech Connect Portal’ to Link Overseas Experts With Local IT Industry
ISLAMABAD The Pakistan Software Export Board has decided to launch a new “Tech Connect Portal” aimed at connecting overseas Pakistani technology professionals with local IT companies to strengthen exports, investment and global business partnerships. The portal, being developed under the…
Gilgit-Baltistan Enters 5G Era as PTA Approves Trial Operations
Pakistan’s northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan has officially entered the 5G era after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority approved trial operations for next-generation mobile internet services in the mountainous territory. The approval marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s broader digital connectivity ambitions,…
PTA Upgrades Telecom Tariff Portal to Boost Price Transparency for Mobile Packages
ISLAMABAD The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has enhanced its online consumer awareness platform to provide telecom users with clearer access to package pricing, tariff trends and operator market data, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency in Pakistan’s mobile sector. In…
Pakistan Telecom Industry Demands Sweeping Tax Cuts to Boost 5G and Digital Growth
ISLAMABAD Pakistan’s telecom sector has sought major tax relief and policy incentives in the upcoming federal budget, urging the government to reduce financial pressure on operators and accelerate investment in 4G, 5G and fiber-optic infrastructure nationwide. Telecom companies have submitted…