Expressing serious concern over cumbersome mobile registration process especially for expatriates, a parliamentary panel on Thursday recommended a revised duty structure on mobile import, simplifying the process as well as for extension in deadline for blocking unregistered mobile phones in the country. "High duty structure is impeding the growth of telecom industry", admitted Mudassir Hussain, a member Telecom of Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The Senate Standing committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication which met here with Senator Rubina Khalid recommended for extension in deadline for blocking unregistered mobile phones in the country. It observed that PTA miserably failed in an extensive awareness campaign, making it difficult for general public to register their mobile phones, hence facing great difficulties at arrival.
The PTA briefed the panel regarding its decision to block un-registered IMEI cell phones indicating steps taken to create awareness amongst general public on the issue as directed by the committee in its last meeting. The committee expressed annoyance over non-compliance of its recommendation with respect to a briefing on mobile blocking process and public awareness before blocking any mobile phone in the country.
The Senate body has stated that all stakeholders including PTA, Customs/FBR, Industry and Finance ministry should hold consultation to present applicable solution regarding easy registration process within two weeks. The committee also raised question that if deadline regarding tax collection could be extended then why mobile phone registration date cannot be extended.
The panel also raised question that if deadline regarding tax collection could be extended then why mobile phone registration date cannot be extended. The body also expressed serious concerns over huge duties on mobile import/personal use and recommended for uniform duty structure to bring mobile prices at par with other countries.
Ibrar Khan, Vice President Corporate & Economic Affairs Jazz proposed that mobile phone registration process could be made easier by activating NADRA, National Banks/other banks, easy paisa and other such kind of facilities. He said that customers could go there and pay taxes like other utilities. The proposal was appreciated by the committee and recommended for further proposals and measures to facilitate general public. The committee was informed that two mobile phone companies have already left the country after the introduction of DIRBS. The system is good for controlling smuggled phones, increasing revenue as well as controlling terrorism.
During the on spot demonstration, PTA failed to satisfy Senators over non-provision of online verification facility for those bringing mobile phones as gifts and not through courier. The committee recommended that mobile registrations process should be made easier for general public.
PTA has started blocking cell phones with unauthorized IMEI numbers from December 1, 2018, but those phones which entered Pakistan without proper customs clearance have been allowed to be cleared from PTA after payment of duties and taxes. Chairman PTA Mohammad Naveed informed that in line with the federal cabinet's decision DIRBS was implemented where all mobile devices already active on networks within Pakistan as of 1st December, 2018 were made compliant and shall remain operation without disruption of services. Furthermore, all non-compliant mobile devices as of 1st December, 2018 were tied/paired to those number and shall remain operational till useful life of devices.
Public awareness campaign has been carried out extensively on TV, Radio, News and Social media and still on-going.
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