ISLAMABAD: A committee has been constituted by Prime Minister Imran Khan to address the connectivity and taxation issues related to telecom companies. A meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Shafqat Mahmood, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training (MOFE&PT), on Friday.
The meeting was also attended by Advisor to PM on Finance and Revenue, Minister for IT and Telecom, secretary MOIT, additional secretary MOFE&PT, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, NADRA chairman, Universal Service Fund (USF) CEO and other senior officers from the MOFE&PT and the MOITT.
The committee deliberated on the connectivity issues, which students are currently facing in their online classes during the COVID-19. It was also decided to finalise the relief package for students to facilitate the delivery of online education, which is in line with the concept of targeted relief.
The Advisor on Finance assured that the government will positively look into this proposal by the Ministry of Federal Education. The Committee also deliberated on the other issues faced by the telecom sector including the taxations issues, and it was decided to resolve them as soon as possible to improve quality, access and affordability of services.
The committee has also sought recommendations from all the stakeholders for improving quality of services. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the prime minister after incorporating views of all the stakeholders.
Advisor on Finance assured the Govt., will positively look issues faced by Telecom Sector including Taxation issues of Accession/Affordability of internet.
Recommendation sought for Improving QOS, Digital networks compliant to Covi-19.
The FTTH grade G-Pon Services be placed in Karachi. The conventional Broadband (Dhobi network) is not Digital and not compliant/recommended.
NO Tax on Internet Service, Telephone PTCL G-Pon should not be tax at all as per UN protocl.
NO Tax for Senior on Telephone, Internet mobile, or regular PTCL should not be taxed. The Mobile Phone Services should not be taxed to Seniors.
I humbly submit these recommendations be considered in view of UN/ITU in Pakistan.
Mobile Smart Phone Device should not be taxed for Senior Citizen as per UN/ITU.