Latest news with #Rs2.15
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
All the taxes and tariffs you pay on cellular services
Listen to article The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a comprehensive breakdown of current mobile service tariffs in the country, including charges for voice calls, data, and SMS. The disclosure comes amid growing public concern over high usage costs and taxes. According to PTA, the basic 'Pay As You Go' (PayG) tariffs—applicable when users are not subscribed to any packages—range between Rs3.2 and Rs3.6 per minute for voice calls. Data usage is billed at Rs3.3 to Rs5 per megabyte, while SMS costs between Rs2.15 and Rs2.5 per message. However, mobile users face a significant tax burden. A Rs100 card recharge effectively credits only Rs86.96 due to a 15% Withholding Tax (WHT). In addition, a 19.5% General Sales Tax (GST) is applied to each individual usage—calls, data sessions, and messages—amounting to an estimated Rs14.19. The combined tax load on a single top-up reaches Rs27.23. PTA clarified that GST is also applicable to all bundles, offers, and subscription-based services. The tax policy applies equally to both prepaid and postpaid customers, covering nearly all segments of mobile users. From a regulatory standpoint, PTA requires operators with Significant Market Power (SMP)—currently Jazz—to obtain prior approval before raising tariffs or launching new packages. These operators must submit detailed proposals, including justifications, consumer impact assessments, and industry comparisons. In contrast, non-SMP operators like Ufone, Telenor, and Zong have the autonomy to set tariffs independently, though all providers are mandated to inform customers at least seven days before implementing any price changes. While PTA did not disclose the date of the most recent tariff revision, the regulator affirmed that any proposed changes by SMPs undergo a strict evaluation process, considering operational costs, inflationary pressures, and broader market trends.
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Peshawar launches cochlear implant programme for hearing-impaired children
Listen to article A formal cochlear implant programme has been launched at the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) in Peshawar to support children born with hearing impairments, according to Express News. The initiative has been introduced by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government in collaboration with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. The HMC's ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) team has already conducted nine successful cochlear implant surgeries as part of the pilot phase. The procedures, which cater to children aged between six months and five years, are now being offered under the government's flagship Sehat Card (Health Card) programme, significantly easing the financial burden on families. Each cochlear implant surgery costs approximately Rs2.15 million. This expense will now be covered through a combination of support from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and the Sehat Card initiative. In a recent milestone, the ENT team, under the supervision of senior healthcare specialists, organised a two-day cochlear implant marathon at HMC, during which nine surgeries were successfully performed. The hospital administration praised the collective efforts and dedication of the HMC ENT team, crediting their perseverance as a key driver behind the successful implementation of the programme.
