Despite Announcements, Punjab Govt Again Forgets to Reverse Internet Taxes

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Despite repeated promises from several high-ups from Lahore and an official announcement from Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab, his colleagues and subordinates have yet not issued the notification for reversal of 19.5% internet sales taxes that the province had imposed on May 28th, 2015.

Its been almost a month now that CM Punjab directed the reversal of internet taxes. It appears that his office even issued a press release that was picked by media in which CM had emphasized telecom operators to pass on the relief to consumers.

Before CM Punjab’s official announcement, Finance Minister of Punjab had also announced the reversal of internet taxes on May 13th, 2015.

shahbaz

A Facebook update by CM Punjab on July 29th, 2015

However, even after one month of the CM’s directive, Punjab Revenue Authority is still unmoved and no notification for reversal of taxes has been issued.

“We don’t want to speculate, but it seems that bureaucracy is beyond the control of CM or maybe this was just a planned political statement with PRA on-board to gain some political mileage”, said an official of mobile phone company requesting us not to name him.

One telecom player was badly impacted by 3G and 4G uptake, and it is probably influencing Punjab Government for not reversing the taxes

Such attitude by Punjab Government is uncivil and beyond comprehension of normal minds, the official further stated.

On other hands, mobile phone companies are charging 19.5% GST from consumers in Punjab (in addition to 14% FED that is imposed by federal government) and we don’t know how and if they will ever reimburse this money back to consumers in case of reversal of taxes.

Another official of a cellular company while speculating about the situation in a different manner said that one telecom player was badly impacted by 3G and 4G uptake, and there is good chance that it is influencing Punjab Government for not reversing the taxes.

Not to mention, Pakistani cellular companies added record 15 million users on 3G and 4G networks during 2014-15.

Tech and telecom reporter for over 15 years


  • why any operator influence punjab govt to not reverse taxes as it will affect all at the same time …

  • yay pehle number k jhote… aur besharam log hai .. in se acha paala para hai awam ka . taxes leke ,mehgayi ker k bhi 1 takay ki sahulat nahi hai ..

    • Cux PTCL will get their connection disconnected :P
      Thats what we call a monopoly. You cant do nuthin’ bout’ it!

  • Lol grow up guys! Its no use! Ye government waley har bar taxes reverse krne wala lollipop hmare mu mein de k 2-3 mahine nikal lete hein. Koshish kr rhe hein k zyada se zyada paisa bna lein ye log bus.

  • prolly CMShehbaz got extra emotional that day!! its all in the Nihari’s quality that you eat… I tell you. :D

  • PTCL is not happy at all with 3G and 4G auction as it has drawn a great impact on its earnings / revenues. While telecom sector has shown a great influence and it has diversify the need of ptcl broadband DSL and wireless business.

  • ZONG PTCL WARID Internet wingles and mifi available

    contact 0312-5095007

    Also Contact for Unlocked Internet 3G or 4G devices ( WINGLES/MIFI)

    CASH ON DELIVERY FOR RWP ISB

  • so, on 4mb PTCL DSL which is PKR 2,100 per month. I have to Pay TAX also? or is it for Mobile networks 3G 4G only?


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