Tech
FBR Defends Rs. 150,000 Tax on iPhones
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance reviewed the tax structure on imported mobile phones after a petition from the FPCCI.
Chairman Federal Board Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the committee, stating that 95 percent of mobile phones used in Pakistan are manufactured locally and that taxes apply only to imported devices.
He noted that new iPhone models face taxes of up to Rs. 150,000 and questioned why anyone able to purchase such devices should avoid paying these charges. He stressed that the issue affects only about 5 percent of consumers.
Langrial said a detailed report on imported phone taxation will be submitted to parliament by March and shared with the standing committee. Following his briefing, the committee concluded its discussion on the matter.
Tech
ACME Telecom Secures LDI License in Pakistan to Boost Telecommunication Infrastructure
Acme Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a Long Distance International (LDI) License from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The license was officially awarded at a ceremony held at PTA headquarters, marking a major expansion of the company’s footprint in global services landscape.
With the acquisition of the LDI license, Acme Telecom is aiming to invest in International digital ecosystem to position Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub and to enhance national connectivity infrastructure, deliver faster and more reliable communication solutions to the nation.
Representing Acme Telecom at the licensing ceremony, Syed Zeeshan Hussain, CEO of Acme Telecom, shared his sentiments over the company’s new chapter. Speaking about the achievement, he stated that: “This license represents a transformative moment for Acme Telecom as we expand our infrastructure capabilities and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the regional telecommunications landscape. Beyond technology, Acme Telecom aims to play an imperative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress. The LDI license directs us towards more ventures which will result in creation of new jobs, foster IT and telecom-driven opportunities, and contribute to stronger economic stability by encouraging investment and innovation within the sector.
“This milestone is not just about Acme Telecom, – It is about Pakistan’s digital future. By strengthening our infrastructure and expanding our capabilities, we are helping build a more resilient, technologically empowered, and globally competitive nation,” he added.
Tech
Telcos Owe Rs. 16.33 Billion in Dues to PTA
The federal government has informed the National Assembly that telecom companies owe Rs. 16.33 billion in outstanding dues to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The information was shared in a written response to a question by MNA Syed Waseem Hussain, who asked for details of the unpaid amounts and related actions.
According to the response, all outstanding dues are currently sub-judice, which has halted the recovery process. The delay in payments has also resulted in a late payment fee of Rs. 39.24 billion, further increasing the financial burden linked to the telecom sector.
The government confirmed that contributions to the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, including the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Research and Development (R&D) Fund, also remain unpaid due to ongoing litigation. These funds are essential for expanding telecom services to underserved areas and supporting technology development projects.
The reply stated that PTA has issued enforcement orders against licensees in line with legal procedures. However, recovery efforts remain stalled as various dues, including Access Promotion Charges (APC) for USF, continue to be challenged in different courts.
The written response did not specify whether any action had been taken against officials considered negligent or ineffective over the past two years. It focused mainly on the financial obligations and the legal hurdles that are delaying their recovery.
Tech
Vivo X200T Tipped as Hybrid of X200 and X200 FE
According to a new rumor, Vivo is working on a new device that it will call X200T. The name is unusual for the brand, and the device is allegedly described as “a mix of the X200 and X200 FE”.
The X200T is expected to launch in India by the end of January. This rumored release timing appears unusual, since the X300 and X300 Pro have just become available in India, which could make a new device in the X200 line feel instantly outdated in comparison.
The X200T is said to be similar in size to the X200 FE, which has a 6.31-inch touchscreen. The X200T will match that size.
The X200T is said to include “the performance DNA” of the X200. This is assumed to mean that it could use the same Dimensity 9400 chipset.
The X200T will “likely” come with three rear cameras with Zeiss branding. It is also expected to support 90W wired charging and include a large battery that could be similar in size to the X200 FE’s 6,500 mAh cell.
These are all the details revealed so far. Based on the current information, it sounds like a re-released X200 FE with a better chipset. Further details are expected when more information becomes available.
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Yemen crush Pakistan in U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers
-
Tech2 weeks ago
Samsung Plans Free Feature Boost For Millions Of Galaxy Phones
-
Business2 weeks ago
Pakistan ready to enhance economic cooperation with Bahrain, says PM during visit to kingdom
-
Tech2 weeks ago
VPN Restrictions Could Be On The Way, Report Says
-
Tech2 weeks ago
Snap Reaches One Billion, Meta’s New XR Apps, OpenAI’s Ive Teases Design, Suno AI Settles
-
Tech2 weeks ago
Meta Quest 3 Update Brings Two Major New Features
-
Tech2 weeks ago
Pakistan Proposes Strict New Punishments for Mobile Snatching
-
Tech2 weeks ago
Honor 500 Revealed, OnePlus 15R Launched, Galaxy S26 Goes Back To Black