Tech Desk 
Jan 05, 2026
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has requested the federal government to lower heavy taxes on imported mobile phones, predicting relief for consumers and reducing mobile prices in Pakistan for 2026.
In an interview with a local media outlet, a PTA official told high duties are preventing Pakistanis to purchase modern mobile phones, which are now necessity for education, business, digital banking, and online employment.
The authority highlighted that overseas Pakistanis face challenges when they bring mobile phones back in the country due to expensive registration and taxes at airports.
PTA expects that reducing taxes will not only give relief to consumers but also encourage legal imports and curb smuggling.
“Mobile phones are no longer luxury items; they are a necessity for everyday life,” said a PTA official. Experts note that smartphone prices in Pakistan are currently higher than in neighboring countries, creating market inefficiencies.
The government is expected to consider tax reductions in the upcoming federal budget 2026-27 or policy, which could make modern devices more accessible and support the vision of a Digital Pakistan.
