Telecom Companies Warn of Phone Calls Loadshedding in Pakistan

Telecom companies have warned of initiating loadshedding of phone calls in Pakistan after the federal government increased taxes on the industry. According to the details, the telecommunication officials have warned the Senate Standing Committee on Finance that loadshedding of phone calls would begin in the coming days just like electricity.

UPDATE: PTA has issued clarification regarding loadshedding of mobile phone services stating that news being shared by various channels is incorrect and out-of-context.

During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, the telecommunications officials briefed the members of the Senate Standing Committee and explained that there was a massive hike imposed by the government on import levy of fiber optic as the advance tax was increased by 15 percent.

“We demand to reduce the advance tax on the imports of fiber optic to 8 per cent. The equipment being used in the telecom industry were declared luxurious items. The import duty has also been hiked by 20%.” said the telecommunications officials during the meeting.

They added that telecom companies were facing extreme difficulties due to the increased financial burden to import the fiber optic. “Fiber optic was used on only 10 per cent towers across Pakistan. We will lose the global race after the tough decisions for the telecom sector. People cannot use ATMs if fiber optic cables are not laid.” they told the committee.

The Senate Committee has recommended the Federal Government to reduce the relevant taxes on the imports of fiber optic, however, if the government does not go through with the decision, we should be prepared your loadshedding of phone calls in Pakistan.

Read more: FATF to Remove Pakistan From Grey List After On-Site Visit as Country Completes Action Plans.

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