The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance held an important meeting under the chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar to discuss taxes and regulatory duties imposed on mobile phones in Pakistan. The meeting focused on concerns about the high cost of smartphones, complicated tax rules, and the government’s previous promises to reduce taxes on mobile devices.

During the meeting, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) informed the committee that regulatory duty is mainly charged on higher-end smartphones. However, committee members questioned why the government has not yet implemented the tax relief that had been promised several times, especially during discussions related to the Budget 2026-27.

Several lawmakers expressed disappointment that despite repeated assurances from authorities, mobile phone users have not received any significant reduction in taxes. They argued that these delays are making smartphones more expensive and limiting access to digital technology for ordinary Pakistanis.

Members of the committee, including Qasim Gilani and Ali Qasim Gilani, strongly criticized the current taxation system on mobile phones. They stated that affordable smartphones are essential for education, online business, freelancing, digital banking, and communication. According to them, reducing taxes on mobile devices is necessary for the success of Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan vision.

The committee was also given detailed information about the taxes currently charged on imported mobile phones. According to the FBR, different tax rates apply based on the value of the phone.

Mobile phones worth up to $30 are taxed at 25 percent.

Phones priced between $31 and $100 face a tax rate of 36 percent.

Devices valued between $101 and $200 are taxed at 40 percent.

Phones costing between $201 and $350 face a 38 percent tax.

Devices worth between $351 and $500 are taxed at 40 percent.

Smartphones valued above $500 are taxed at 41 percent.

Officials further explained that the actual tax amount paid by consumers can range from around PKR 1,500 for low-cost phones to as much as PKR 141,500 for expensive flagship devices.

The committee was also informed that nearly 44 percent of imported mobile phones fall into the $31 to $100 price category. This means a large number of Pakistani consumers are paying relatively high taxes on budget and mid-range smartphones.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the growing number of non-PTA-approved mobile phones being used across the country. Officials said millions of such devices are currently active in the market, making it more difficult for authorities to enforce regulations and collect taxes properly.

To help consumers manage the cost of mobile phone registration and taxes, committee members suggested introducing an installment-based payment system. Under this proposal, users would be able to pay mobile phone taxes in smaller monthly payments instead of paying the full amount at once.

Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar directed the FBR to work with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to explore a practical plan for implementing such an installment system.

After detailed discussions, the committee recommended completely removing the regulatory duty on smartphones. Members believe this step would make mobile phones more affordable for the public, encourage greater digital inclusion, increase smartphone adoption, and support Pakistan’s growing digital economy.

The recommendation will now be considered as part of future government policy discussions and budget decisions. If approved, it could provide significant relief to consumers and help make smartphones more accessible for millions of Pakistanis.

The committee’s recommendation reflects a broader effort to simplify Pakistan’s mobile taxation system, reduce the financial burden on consumers, and support the country’s digital transformation goals.

A bill that was originally presented as a way to solve Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure and fiber optic network problems has now become one of the most controversial topics in the country’s politics.

What started as amendments to the Pakistan Telecommunication Act of 1996 has now led to demands for the removal of the IT Minister, the formation of an inquiry committee, and growing public concerns about whether the proposed law could affect private property rights.

What Is the Telecom Amendment Bill?

The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 proposes several changes to the country’s telecom laws. One of the most debated changes is related to “Right of Way” rules.

Under the current law, Right of Way simply means the right to pass over land or property in order to provide telecom services such as fiber optic cables and communication networks.

The new bill introduces a broader definition. Instead of only allowing telecom operators to pass through land, the proposed wording refers to access for telecom infrastructure and includes provisions about entering or using certain premises for network deployment.

This change in wording has become the main reason behind the controversy.

Why Is the Opposition Concerned?

The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) claims that the new language could allow telecom companies to install towers and telecom infrastructure on private property.

According to TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai, the proposed law could give telecom operators powers that may limit the rights of property owners.

He argued that property owners might not be able to object to telecom installations on their land and warned that people refusing such installations could face heavy penalties.

The opposition says the bill could weaken constitutional protections related to private property and personal privacy.

Because of these concerns, TTAP has strongly opposed the legislation and called it harmful to citizens’ rights.

How Did the Bill Reach This Stage?

The bill was introduced by IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

It was approved by the National Assembly on June 11 through a majority vote and was then sent to the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications on June 15 for further review.

However, the bill did not move forward immediately.

The Senate committee decided to examine the proposed amendments more closely before allowing the legislation to proceed.

The opposition claims this review prevented the bill from being passed too quickly without proper discussion and scrutiny.

According to TTAP, such an important law should have gone through detailed consultation before being approved by the National Assembly.

Opposition Criticizes the Legislative Process

The opposition has accused the government of rushing the bill through parliament.

TTAP argues that legislation affecting millions of Pakistanis and involving property rights should have been discussed more thoroughly with stakeholders, experts, and lawmakers.

The alliance has also claimed that the process exposed weaknesses in how the bill was prepared and presented.

Because of these concerns, opposition leaders have sharply criticized both the ministry and the legislative process.

Prime Minister Forms Inquiry Committee

As criticism continued to grow, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed an inquiry committee to review the controversial legislation.

The government hopes that the committee will carefully examine the concerns raised by lawmakers, telecom operators, and the public.

However, the opposition says the committee itself has become another issue.

TTAP argues that the committee contains only government representatives and does not include members from the opposition.

According to the alliance, any investigation without opposition participation may not be viewed as fair or independent.

The opposition is demanding that opposition lawmakers be included in the committee so that its findings can be trusted by all sides.

IT Ministry Rejects Allegations

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has strongly rejected claims that the bill threatens private property rights.

In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the proposed amendments do not allow telecom operators to enter private property without the owner’s permission or proper legal procedures.

The ministry also stated that the law does not permit the compulsory acquisition of private land by telecom companies.

According to officials, the purpose of the amendments is to speed up telecom infrastructure projects, improve internet connectivity, and create a transparent legal framework for network expansion.

The ministry argues that better rules are needed to support the expansion of fiber optic networks and future technologies, especially after Pakistan’s recent 5G spectrum auction.

Government officials believe the opposition has misunderstood or misinterpreted the bill.

However, critics say that regardless of the government’s intentions, the wording of the proposed law should be clearer to remove any possibility of misuse.

Demand for Removal of the IT Minister

The controversy has also turned into a political challenge for IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

TTAP has demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remove her from office.

The opposition claims the minister failed to properly review and consult stakeholders before introducing the legislation.

While calls for a minister’s resignation are common in politics, the opposition argues that the handling of this bill shows poor legislative management.

The minister and the government have not accepted these accusations and continue to defend the proposed amendments.

What Could Happen Next?

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications.

At the same time, the Prime Minister’s inquiry committee is examining the controversy and may recommend changes to the bill.

Several outcomes are possible:

• The bill could be passed without changes.
• The bill could be amended to address public concerns.
• Certain controversial sections could be rewritten.
• The legislation could be delayed for further consultation.

Although the government has enough support in parliament to pass the bill, growing public criticism has increased political pressure.

Conclusion

The Telecom Amendment Bill 2026 has become much more than a technical telecom reform. It has developed into a national debate about property rights, government transparency, and the balance between digital development and citizen protections.

Supporters believe the bill is necessary to improve connectivity, expand fiber networks, and prepare Pakistan for future technologies like 5G.

Critics argue that the law must clearly protect private property rights and prevent any possibility of abuse.

The coming weeks will be important as the Senate committee and inquiry committee review the bill. Their decisions could determine not only the future of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure but also public confidence in the country’s legislative process

Jazz Chief Executive Officer Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim has come under criticism on social media platform X after publicly supporting the proposed Telecom Amendment Bill. The bill has already sparked debate across Pakistan because of concerns related to telecom infrastructure, right-of-way rules, and private property rights.

In a post on X, Aamir Ibrahim said that public discussion about the bill was important and healthy. However, he argued that many people were focusing on the wrong issue and ignoring the main problem the amendments are trying to solve.

According to him, one of Pakistan’s biggest connectivity challenges is the difficulty telecom companies face when trying to build infrastructure. He explained that telecom operators often struggle to lay fiber optic cables, install mobile towers, and expand network coverage because of lengthy approvals and right-of-way restrictions. He said these obstacles have slowed Pakistan’s digital development for years and have affected network quality, coverage, and access to internet services in many areas.

The Jazz CEO stated that the proposed amendments are intended to create a clear and predictable system for telecom companies to deploy infrastructure. He emphasized that the purpose of the bill is not to target homeowners or take away the rights of ordinary citizens. According to him, the goal is simply to make it easier to expand telecommunications networks across the country.

Despite these explanations, his comments received strong criticism from many users on X. Several social media users questioned why the head of a telecom company was publicly defending legislation that some people believe could impact private property rights.

Critics argued that telecom companies should first focus on improving their services before seeking legal changes. Many users pointed to ongoing complaints about network coverage, internet speeds, call quality, pricing, and customer support. They suggested that these issues should be addressed before telecom operators ask for broader powers related to infrastructure development.

Some users also expressed concern that the proposed law could potentially give telecom companies too much authority when it comes to installing towers and other equipment on privately owned land or within housing societies. Others feared that property owners might lose control over decisions affecting their land.

One user questioned whether telecom companies should ever be allowed to place towers on private property without proper consent. Another called for a boycott of Jazz because of the company’s support for the bill. Many users stressed that the debate is not only about improving internet services but also about protecting citizens’ ownership rights and ensuring that private property remains protected under the law.

The controversy is not limited to Jazz. Other telecom operators, including Ufone and Zong, have also faced criticism online as the debate over the Telecom Amendment Bill continues. Opponents of the bill believe that any reforms should clearly safeguard private property rights while still helping improve telecom infrastructure.

Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that Pakistan needs these reforms to expand fiber networks, improve connectivity, and prepare for future technologies such as advanced digital services and next-generation mobile networks. They believe that solving right-of-way issues is necessary if the country wants to improve internet access and digital infrastructure.

On the other hand, critics insist that the bill should be reviewed carefully. They argue that faster network expansion should not come at the cost of weakening private property protections, reducing local authority oversight, or limiting citizens’ rights.

Due to the growing controversy, the federal government has formed a special committee to examine the bill and review the concerns raised by the public and stakeholders. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the prime minister within the next few days.

The ongoing backlash highlights the challenge facing both the government and the telecom industry. Pakistan needs better digital infrastructure and improved connectivity, but policymakers must also ensure transparency, accountability, and strong protection of private property rights.

For now, the Telecom Amendment Bill remains under intense public scrutiny, with lawmakers, telecom companies, analysts, and citizens continuing to debate how Pakistan can expand its digital future while protecting the rights of its people.

Pakistan’s mobile phone market remained highly competitive in May 2026. While the changes in market share were small, they still represent hundreds of thousands of mobile users in a country with more than 200 million subscribers. These shifts show which telecom companies are attracting more customers and which ones are slowly losing ground.

Jazz remained the largest mobile network in Pakistan with a market share of 36.42 percent in May 2026. However, this was slightly lower than its 36.50 percent share in April. Although the decrease was small, it shows that competitors are gradually putting pressure on the market leader.

Zong strengthened its position as Pakistan’s second-largest telecom operator. Its market share increased from 26.58 percent in April to 26.62 percent in May. The increase may seem minor, but it continues a steady trend of growth that Zong has maintained over recent months.

Telenor experienced a slight decline. Its market share dropped from 21.33 percent in April to 21.26 percent in May. Like Jazz, Telenor lost a small portion of its subscriber base compared to its competitors.

Ufone was the biggest winner during the month. Its market share increased from 14.54 percent in April to 14.65 percent in May. For a company that has traditionally been the smallest of Pakistan’s four major telecom operators, this growth is an important achievement and shows that its efforts are producing results.

SCO maintained its market share at 1.05 percent, showing no change from the previous month.

Market Share Comparison

Why These Changes Matter

Pakistan’s telecom market is now mature, with mobile penetration exceeding 82 percent of the population. Most people already own a mobile connection, which means telecom companies are no longer focused mainly on finding new users. Instead, they are competing to keep existing customers and convince users to switch from rival networks.

This means even a small increase in market share can be very valuable. It often reflects improvements in network coverage, internet speeds, pricing, customer service, and digital services offered by the operator.

Zong Continues to Grow

Zong’s steady growth suggests that its investment in network expansion and modernization is helping attract more subscribers. The company has built a strong reputation for its 4G services, and many users appear satisfied with its data performance and coverage.

Ufone Shows Strong Momentum

The most interesting development is Ufone’s continued growth. For many years, Ufone remained behind its competitors in terms of subscriber numbers. However, recent gains suggest that customers are responding positively to its affordable packages, promotional offers, and improved services.

If Ufone continues this trend, it could become a stronger competitor in the market over the coming years.

Jazz Still Leads but Faces Pressure

Jazz remains the clear market leader with more than one-third of all mobile subscribers in Pakistan. However, maintaining such a large share is not easy. The slight decline in May shows that competitors are gradually attracting some users away.

The decrease does not indicate any major problem for Jazz, but it highlights the need for continuous investment in network quality, customer experience, and new technologies.

PTCL Group Is Becoming a Major Challenger

One of the most significant developments comes from PTCL’s ownership of both Telenor Pakistan and Ufone.

Although the two operators still run separately, their combined market share reaches 35.91 percent. This is very close to Jazz’s 36.42 percent share.

This means that the PTCL Group now controls almost the same number of subscribers as Jazz. In the future, any decision to integrate networks, improve services, or coordinate strategies between Ufone and Telenor could significantly reshape Pakistan’s telecom market.

The Impact of 5G

The May market share figures come shortly after Pakistan’s first 5G spectrum auction in March 2026, which raised $507 million and allocated spectrum to telecom operators.

The launch of 5G is expected to create a new level of competition. In the coming months and years, customers will pay more attention to internet speed, network quality, coverage, and overall user experience.

Operators that roll out reliable 5G services quickly will likely attract more customers and strengthen their market positions.

For Zong and Ufone, the current growth provides momentum before the 5G era begins. For Jazz, maintaining leadership will depend on delivering a strong 5G experience to its large customer base.

What Consumers Can Expect

For mobile users in Pakistan, increased competition is generally good news. Telecom operators will likely offer:

• Better data packages
• More affordable call and internet bundles
• Improved network coverage
• Faster internet speeds
• Attractive customer retention offers
• Enhanced digital services and mobile apps

The growth of Ufone and Zong also gives consumers more choices, encouraging all operators to improve their services.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s telecom sector remains highly competitive despite its maturity. May 2026 data shows that Jazz continues to lead the market, but it is slowly losing ground. Zong is steadily strengthening its position, while Ufone is emerging as the fastest-growing major operator. Telenor has seen a slight decline, and SCO remains stable.

The real competition, however, is likely to begin with the nationwide rollout of 5G. The operators that can provide the best combination of speed, coverage, and value will be the ones that gain the most subscribers in the years ahead. For now, the market remains close, competitive, and full of opportunities for both telecom companies and consumers.

Xiaomi is getting ready to launch its next major software update, HyperOS 4, which is expected to bring better performance, smoother operation, new features, and improved connectivity between Xiaomi devices. Although Xiaomi has not officially announced the update yet, reports suggest that HyperOS 4 could be introduced between July and August 2026, with a wider rollout starting later in the year.

The new update is expected to be based on Android 17 and will likely arrive first on Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphones. According to reports, the rollout may begin with the upcoming Xiaomi 17 series before expanding to other Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.

Industry sources suggest that the stable version of HyperOS 4 could start reaching users around September or October 2026. However, the release schedule may vary depending on the region, device model, and software testing process. Xiaomi usually releases major updates in phases to ensure stability and fix any bugs before making them available to more users.

The first devices expected to receive HyperOS 4 are Xiaomi’s premium models. These may include the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Series, Xiaomi 14 Series, and Xiaomi Mix Flip. Flagship devices usually receive new software updates before other models.

Redmi users can also expect the update on many devices. Reports indicate that the Redmi Note 15 Series, Redmi Note 14 Series, Redmi 15 Series, and selected Redmi A-series smartphones are likely to be included. Some Redmi tablets, including the Redmi Pad 2 Series, are also expected to receive the update.

POCO devices are also expected to be part of the rollout. According to reports, HyperOS 4 may arrive on the POCO F8 Series, POCO F7 Series, POCO F6 Series, and several POCO X-series models. In addition, some POCO M-series, C-series smartphones, and tablets are also expected to be eligible.

One of the biggest goals of HyperOS 4 is to improve the overall user experience. The update is expected to offer faster performance, better battery management, smoother animations, stronger security, and improved integration between smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other Xiaomi ecosystem products.

However, Xiaomi has not yet released an official list of supported devices. Therefore, all currently available information is based on industry reports and leaks. The final list of eligible devices may change depending on Xiaomi’s software support policy and regional requirements.

Like previous updates, Xiaomi is expected to follow a phased rollout strategy. Newer and high-end devices will likely receive HyperOS 4 first, while mid-range and budget devices may get the update later. This approach helps Xiaomi maintain software stability and quickly address any issues discovered after release.

For Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO users, HyperOS 4 could be one of the biggest software updates of 2026. With Android 17 integration, improved system optimization, and new ecosystem features, the update aims to deliver a faster, smarter, and more connected experience across Xiaomi devices. However, users will need to wait for Xiaomi’s official announcement to know the exact launch date and final list of supported devices

A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance was held under the chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar to discuss taxes and regulatory duties on mobile phones in Pakistan. During the meeting, committee members reviewed the current tax system on smartphones and discussed ways to make mobile phones more affordable for the public.

Officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) informed the committee that regulatory duty is mainly charged on expensive smartphones. However, members of the committee expressed concern that the government had previously promised to reduce taxes on mobile phones, but no significant relief has been provided so far. They questioned why these promised tax reductions were not included in the Budget 2026-27.

Committee members Qasim Gilani and Ali Qasim Gilani strongly criticized the high taxes on mobile phones. They said that smartphones are no longer a luxury item but an important necessity for education, business, communication, and access to digital services. According to them, reducing mobile phone taxes is essential for the success of Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan vision, which aims to increase internet access and digital connectivity across the country.

During the briefing, the FBR presented details of the current tax structure on imported mobile phones. Phones worth up to $30 are subject to a 25 percent tax. Devices priced between $31 and $100 face a 36 percent tax, while phones valued between $101 and $200 are taxed at 40 percent. Smartphones costing between $201 and $350 carry a 38 percent tax, those priced between $351 and $500 are taxed at 40 percent, and phones worth more than $500 face a 41 percent tax.

Officials also revealed that the actual tax amount paid by consumers ranges from around Rs. 1,500 for low-cost phones to as much as Rs. 141,500 for premium smartphones. They further stated that nearly 44 percent of imported mobile phones fall within the $31 to $100 price category, making this one of the most commonly imported segments in Pakistan.

The committee was also informed that millions of non-PTA-approved mobile phones are currently being used in the country. This creates challenges for authorities because such devices often avoid taxes and make it harder for the government to collect revenue and enforce regulations.

To help consumers manage the financial burden of mobile taxes, committee members proposed introducing an installment-based payment system. Under this proposal, users would be able to pay mobile phone taxes in smaller installments instead of paying the full amount at once. Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar directed the FBR and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to work together and develop a practical plan for implementing this system.

After detailed discussions, the committee recommended completely abolishing the regulatory duty on smartphones. Members believe that removing this duty would lower the cost of mobile phones, make smartphones more accessible to ordinary citizens, simplify the tax system, and support Pakistan’s digital transformation goals.

If approved by the government, this proposal could make smartphones significantly cheaper in the future and encourage greater digital inclusion across Pakistan

WhatsApp is testing a new message animation feature for iPhone users. The feature is currently available to some users who are part of the WhatsApp beta program on iOS through Apple’s TestFlight platform.

According to reports, the feature is included in WhatsApp beta version 26.24.10.70 and is being released gradually. More beta users are expected to receive it in the coming weeks before it becomes available to everyone.

What Is the New Message Animation?

The new feature changes the way messages appear in chats.

Previously, messages would instantly appear on the screen after being sent or received. With the new update, message bubbles now appear more smoothly with a small animation effect.

When a message arrives:

• The message bubble gently fades in.
• It slightly grows in size.
• It then settles into place within the conversation.

This creates a more modern and polished look while making chats feel smoother and more interactive.

WhatsApp Brings Back a Removed Feature

Interestingly, this is not the first time WhatsApp has experimented with message animations on iPhones.

The company had introduced a similar feature in the past but later removed it. Many users believed the previous version lacked customization options and was not suitable for everyone.

The new version has been redesigned to provide a better visual experience and address earlier user concerns.

Users Can Now Turn Animations On or Off

One of the biggest improvements in the latest update is the addition of a dedicated setting that allows users to control message animations.

Users can manage the feature by going to:

Settings > Chats > Animations

Inside this section, WhatsApp now offers a separate option for message animations.

This means users can:

• Enable message animations
• Disable message animations whenever they want

This gives people more control over how the app looks and behaves.

Why Is This Option Important?

The ability to disable animations is important because not everyone enjoys motion effects.

Some users prefer a simpler experience without extra visual effects. Others may find animations distracting while chatting.

There are also people who are sensitive to motion effects and may feel uncomfortable with too many moving elements on the screen.

In the previous version of the feature, users had no way to turn the animations off. Many observers believe this was one of the reasons WhatsApp eventually removed the feature from iPhones.

Now, by providing an on/off switch, WhatsApp is making the feature more flexible and user-friendly.

Similar Feature Already Available on Android

WhatsApp has already introduced similar message animations for Android users.

Android users can also manage the feature through the app’s settings.

By bringing the same functionality to iOS, WhatsApp is creating a more consistent experience across both major mobile platforms.

This is especially useful for people who use both Android phones and iPhones, as the app will now behave similarly on both devices.

More Animation Controls Already Exist

The new message animation setting joins other animation options already available in WhatsApp.

Users can currently control:

• Emoji animations
• Sticker animations
• GIF animations

Now, message animations have their own separate control, giving users even more customization options.

When Will Everyone Get the Feature?

At the moment, the feature is only available to a limited number of iPhone beta testers.

WhatsApp has not officially announced when it will release the feature to all users.

The company is first collecting feedback from beta testers to ensure the feature works properly and does not cause any issues.

If testing goes well, the feature could eventually be included in a future stable update for all iPhone users.

Final Verdict

WhatsApp is bringing back message animations for iPhone users with a much improved design. Messages now appear with a smooth fade-in effect and subtle movement, making chats look more modern and visually appealing.

The biggest improvement is the new option that lets users turn message animations on or off whenever they want. This gives users more control over their experience and solves one of the main problems with the previous version.

For now, the feature is being tested with a small group of beta users, but if the testing process is successful, it is likely to become available to all WhatsApp users on iOS in a future update.