Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jazz, Aamir Ibrahim, has emphasized that abolishing the withholding tax on mobile phone services would directly benefit consumers by making telecom services more affordable.
He made this statement during a meeting with Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, on Wednesday.
The meeting, held at the minister’s office, focused on various critical issues in the telecom sector, including withholding tax, spectrum allocation, broadband access, and overall digitalization. Welcoming the CEO, the federal minister assured Jazz of the government’s commitment to resolving challenges faced by cellular mobile operators.
CEO Jazz highlighted that the removal of withholding tax on telecom services has been a longstanding demand of the industry and would offer significant relief to end-users, many of whom are already burdened by inflation. “Consumers stand to gain the most if the government removes this financial barrier,” he said, adding that Jazz continues to advocate for tax reforms that support digital inclusion.
Federal Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque agreed that resolving such financial and regulatory issues is vital for the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. He reassured that the Ministry of IT is actively working with relevant stakeholders to address the concerns of mobile network operators, including the pressing matter of withholding tax.
During the meeting, the minister also appreciated Jazz for its social contributions, particularly its donations to the national COVID-19 relief fund. He stated that such initiatives by telecom companies should ultimately benefit the general public and enhance trust in the sector.
In a related development, Executive Director of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), Shabahat Ali Shah, also met with the federal minister and briefed him on the board’s initiatives and progress.
With Jazz reiterating its commitment to digital growth and fair taxation, and the government showing willingness to collaborate, the discussion on withholding tax reforms may pave the way for a more consumer-friendly and equitable market environment.