The irony of Pakistan’s tax system is that those who are struggling and are in need of the government’s support are burdened by over 65 types of withholding taxes. I am a university student without a source of income. Paying a heavy fee is already a challenge for me and yet I have to pay 12 percent withholding tax on my mobile phone recharge. There is no way through which I can claim it back as I don’t file tax return.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, my classes have shifted online. This has increased my internet usage significantly, resulting in a high mobile phone bill. Ideally, I should be exempted from this extra tax. FBR authorities must look into this issue.
Siraj Muneer Soomro
Karachi