Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood Langrial, has suspended the proposed “one person, one mobile phone” policy. This proposal aimed to limit the import of commercial quantities disguised as personal luggage.
On Tuesday, FBR officials suggested amending the Baggage Rule 2006 to restrict travelers to one mobile phone for personal use, with additional phones subject to confiscation. However, the FBR has now withdrawn the proposal, maintaining the current rule that allows two mobile phones per passenger.
The reversal reportedly followed backlash from overseas Pakistanis.
In a related move, the FBR has also put on hold a suggestion to impose a 30% tax on imported luggage exceeding $1,200 in value. This tax proposal will undergo further consultation before any decision is made.
Previously, the FBR had revised rules to clarify restrictions on importing “commercial quantities” of goods, defining such quantities as items intended for trade or investment purposes.