In a post shared on X, Kasim Gillani posted a photo alongside Shaza Fatima Khawaja in the National Assembly holding a placard stating, “Phones are a need, not a luxury.”
The message was part of a campaign challenging Pakistan’s PTA tax structure on mobile devices. Gillani argued that current taxation policies have made smartphones less accessible despite their growing importance for education, business, communication, and digital inclusion.
The campaign calls for making mobile technology more affordable and treating connectivity as an essential public need rather than a luxury. It highlights concerns that high taxes are limiting access to smartphones for students, small businesses, and rural communities across Pakistan.
Supporters of the campaign believe that affordable internet-enabled devices are essential for economic growth, online learning, and modern communication systems. They say that reducing taxes on mobile phones will help bridge the digital divide and allow more people to participate in the digital economy.
Many social media users also supported the message, saying that connectivity has become a basic requirement in daily life, especially after increased reliance on online services. The discussion has sparked debate on how Pakistan should balance revenue generation with public access to technology in the future.
Advocates are urging policymakers to reconsider the PTA tax framework to make digital tools more accessible for all citizens. Overall, the campaign continues to call for fair taxation policies that recognize smartphones as essential tools for education, work, and communication in modern society.
Campaigners hope government will review mobile taxes soon so more citizens can afford smartphones and stay connected nationwide across Pakistan fairly.
