‘Had to Sell My Old Phone to Pay PTA Tax on New One,’ Says Qasim Gillani — Sparks Public Criticism
Islamabad: Pakistan’s love for iPhones is well-known, but the **heavy Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax** has made owning one increasingly difficult for the average citizen. Many users either continue using non-PTA phones or are forced to sell personal items to cover the steep import duties.
I had to sell my old phone just to pay the PTA tax on my new one. 📱
— Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) November 3, 2025
In this context, **Qasim Gillani**, Member of the National Assembly and son of Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister **Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani**, revealed in a post on social media platform **X (formerly Twitter)** that he **had to sell his old phone to pay the PTA tax** for his new device.
Govt main ho yh dramy na kero tax km kerwao
— Gujjar🇵🇰 (@ARRSHAD_GUJJAR) November 3, 2025
Gillani’s remark quickly went viral, triggering a wave of reactions. Some users criticized the government’s taxation policies, while others mocked the statement as tone-deaf given his political position.
Kasim bhai apka ya hal hai sochen hamara kiya hal hoga 😭😭
— hopelesshuman (@evaeva056) November 3, 2025
One user, **Arshad Gujar**, slammed the lawmaker, writing:
I had to sell my old phone just to pay the PTA tax on my new one. 📱
— Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) November 3, 2025
> “You are part of the government — stop the drama and reduce the taxes instead.”
Another commenter remarked sarcastically:
> “If even an MNA has to sell his old phone to pay PTA tax, imagine the condition of ordinary citizens.”
Supporters of the opposition **Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)** joined the debate, with one jokingly suggesting that **“this too will somehow be blamed on Imran Khan.”**
The post reignited public frustration over **high mobile phone import taxes**, which have made smartphones — especially high-end models like iPhones — increasingly unaffordable for most Pakistanis.
