In a shocking revelation, Pakistan’s telecom giants have siphoned off a staggering Rs. 84 billion from consumers under the guise of “taxes” in just nine months, according to a report by ProPakistani. While telecom companies claim these are government-mandated levies, critics argue that opaque billing practices and unchecked corporate greed have turned these fees into a hidden burden on already struggling citizens.
Read More: Jazz’s Rs26bn Tax Scandal: How Pakistan’s Telecom Giant Robbed Customers to Pay FBR
Consumers Bear the Brunt: The report confirms that telecom operators collected:
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Rs. 50.4 billion in withholding tax (WHT)
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Rs. 33.6 billion in advance income tax (AIT)
These taxes, ostensibly passed on to the government, are directly deducted from users’ mobile balances, effectively making telecom services one of the most heavily taxed utilities in Pakistan. With inflation at record highs, experts question why telecom companies continue to impose these charges without transparency or consumer relief.
Are Telcos Complicit in Price Gouging?: While telecom companies blame the government for high taxes, industry watchdogs accuse them of:
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Double-Dipping: Charging excessive fees while benefiting from corporate tax loopholes.
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Lack of Transparency: Failing to clearly break down tax deductions on user bills.
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Profit Over People: Posting record profits (e.g., Jazz, Zong, and Ufone) while ignoring consumer distress.
Public Outrage Grows: Social media is flooded with complaints from users who report unexplained deductions and shrinking mobile balances. “Every time I recharge, half my balance vanishes in taxes. Why are we paying for the government’s failures?” asked a frustrated Karachi-based user.
Regulatory Failure?: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has remained silent on the issue, raising concerns about regulatory capture. Critics demand an immediate audit of telco billing practices and a reduction in taxes to ease the burden on ordinary Pakistanis.
What’s Next?: With Rs. 84 billion extracted in just nine months, the telecom sector’s exploitation shows no signs of slowing. Will the government intervene, or will consumers continue to foot the bill for corporate and bureaucratic excess?
