The restoration of mobile phone taxes by the Supreme Court of Pakistan isn’t sitting well with the masses who are pleading the government to abolish withholding tax on prepaid cards.
Those not aware of the latest verdict passed by the apex court are seen debating about the taxes at local recharge outlets. The constant bickering has forced the shop owners to put notices of new taxes applicable on easy load and card recharge. However, angry Pakistanis are demanding the authorities to take back the decision which has put an extra burden on their shoulders.
Talking to a private news outlet, a citizen said that the mobile packages have suddenly become far more expensive. Giving the example of an internet package, he said that it took Rs. 160 to load the package, however, you have to recharge Rs. 250 to do the same.
Earlier, there were zero taxes on mobile recharge following former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar’s decision last year. However, due to mounting pressure from telcos and increasing losses to the national exchequer, the CJP Asif Saeed Khosa made the decision to restore taxes on prepaid card recharge.
