The Local Mobile Phone Manufacturing Association has dismissed claims of expensive mobile phones as a misconception. The Senior Vice Chairman stated that mobile phones have become 30% cheaper, and the introduction of sales tax has caused a slight increase in prices. He further mentioned that if exports are initiated, cheaper phones will be manufactured in Pakistan.
In an interview with Samaa, Senior Vice Chairman of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Association, Mazhar Paracha, called the notion of expensive mobile phones a misconception and claimed that prices of mobile phones have decreased by 30%.
He explained that mobile phones became expensive when imports were halted, but with the resumption of imports, prices have returned to lower levels. In the current fiscal year, 25 million mobile phones have been manufactured in Pakistan.
Mazhar Paracha also stated that the government has imposed an 18% sales tax on mobile phones, causing companies to incur losses. Due to the sales tax, a slight price increase was necessary. He emphasized that if Pakistan starts exporting mobile phones, the prices will further decrease.
The Senior Vice Chairman further added that within the next three to four years, Pakistan could export mobile phones worth 10 to 15 billion dollars. He urged the government to support the mobile phone industry in terms of exports, as it would greatly benefit the country’s economy.
