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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shared the tariffs and taxes consumers pay on mobile and cellular services in Pakistan.
PTA stated that Pay As You Go (PayG) voice calls cost Rs 3.2 – Rs 3.6 per minute. Data services range from Rs3.3 to Rs5 per MB, and SMS rates vary from Rs2.15 to Rs2.5 per message.
These charges apply only if users don’t subscribe to bundles or packages. Regular mobile users face heavy tax cuts on every card load or recharge.
On every Rs100 top-up, Rs13.04 is deducted as Withholding Tax (WHT). Additionally, Rs14.19 is taken as General Sales Tax (GST), leaving users with Rs86.96 credit.
GST at 19.5% also applies to every call, SMS, and data session. It’s charged separately whether you’re using a prepaid or postpaid plan.
All mobile operators must follow PTA rules. Jazz, classified as a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator, needs PTA’s approval for new packages or tariff changes.
Jazz must also submit detailed justifications and impact studies for any price hike. Non-SMP operators like Zong, Ufone, and Telenor can adjust tariffs independently.
Still, all operators are required to inform users at least seven days before any changes in rates, ensuring transparency and public awareness.
