Proposal Allows Overseas Pakistanis to Bring One Tax-Free Mobile Phone is gaining attention among expatriates and policymakers. The government is considering this move to provide relief for overseas Pakistanis while encouraging smoother mobile phone import regulations. Under the proposal, each overseas Pakistani could bring one mobile phone per year without paying high import duties.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) highlighted that taxes on imported devices, especially high-end devices, are often higher than the phone’s actual price. Currently, Pakistan collects around Rs82 billion in mobile phone purchase taxes, with imported phones contributing a significant portion. The committee on finance meeting discussed this proposal to ensure fair taxation and possible tax reductions for expatriates.
Most mobile phones in Pakistan are locally manufactured, accounting for nearly 94% of the market, while only 6% are imported, according to PTA market share statistics. This proposal could balance the market by easing duties on low-value mobile phones often brought by overseas Pakistanis.
Additionally, a mobile phone policy update is expected by March 2026, which could formalize the tax-free allowance and outline clear guidelines for implementation. This step could improve satisfaction among expatriates while maintaining healthy growth in the local telecom sector.
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The proposal allows overseas Pakistanis to bring one tax-free mobile phone, easing duties and improving mobile phone import regulations
