Latest news with #ITMinistry
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Key issues in E-Commerce sector discussed
ISLAMABAD: In a high-level meeting held to address key issues in Pakistan's rapidly expanding E-Commerce sector, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja discussed aspects covering E-commerce. According to an official statement, in line with the consultative approach of the forthcoming policy, Minister Kamal Khan announced the formation of a joint working group, with input from the IT Ministry, to gather comprehensive recommendations on taxation, vendor compliance, and digital payments. The group's findings will be formally presented to the Prime Minister for final consideration. Minister Kamal also confirmed that E-Commerce Policy 2.0 is in its final stages of internal review and will soon be submitted for cabinet approval. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan forms body to review e-commerce tax policy after new budget measures
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's commerce and information technology ministries have announced the formation of a joint working group to propose changes to the country's e-commerce tax regime, following the introduction of new digital levies in the federal budget for fiscal year 2025–26. The budget, announced on June 10, imposes a tiered taxation structure on digital transactions. For payments under Rs10,000 ($35), a 1 percent tax will be applied. Payments between Rs10,000 and Rs20,000 ($71) will face a 2 percent tax, while transactions above Rs20,000 will be taxed at 0.25 percent. Courier services will collect the tax for cash-on-delivery orders, and payment gateways will deduct it for online payments. The measures have raised concerns among businesses about increased compliance burdens and costs for online consumers. 'In line with the consultative approach of the forthcoming policy, Minister Kamal Khan announced the formation of a joint working group with input from the IT Ministry to gather comprehensive recommendations on taxation, vendor compliance and digital payments,' the commerce ministry said in a statement after a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. 'The group's findings will be formally presented to the prime minister for final consideration,' it added. 'Minister Kamal also confirmed that e-commerce policy 2.0 is in its final stages of internal review and will soon be submitted for cabinet approval.' Pakistan's e-commerce sector has grown rapidly, reaching a market value of Rs2.17 trillion ($7.7 billion) in 2024, according to the ministry of commerce. The sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 17 percent through 2027, driven by increased smartphone penetration, digital payments, and logistics infrastructure. The new tax framework has triggered concern among industry stakeholders, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which dominate Pakistan's online retail sector. Analysts say the measures could slow growth and hinder innovation in a sector seen as key to the country's digital transformation. In comparison, regional tax regimes vary. India applies a 1 percent Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on e-commerce sellers under its Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, while Bangladesh introduced a 5 percent VAT on local digital services in 2022. Sri Lanka levies a 2.5 percent Value Added Tax on online purchases, with additional withholding tax for certain platforms. Globally, the European Union imposes VAT on cross-border e-commerce transactions, with rates ranging from 17 percent to 27 percent, while US states apply sales taxes ranging between 0 percent and 10.25 percent, depending on jurisdiction. Pakistan's e-commerce policy 2.0, once finalized, is expected to address regulatory gaps and streamline the digital business environment, which has so far operated under fragmented taxation and compliance rules.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Senate body concerned at absence of legal cover for PCC establishment
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication raised serious concerns over the absence of legal cover for establishment of Pakistan Crypto Council, while saying that crypto currency adoption could become a mega scandal. The parliamentary panel met with Palwasha Khan in the chair here on Monday to review the scope and mandate of Pakistan Crypto Council recently launched by the federal government. The committee questioned the legal standing of the council and reiterated that the legislature has not been taken into confidence prior to the establishment of the Council. Senator Humayun Mohmand inquired as to whether or not the council could be created by the Executive orders? The committee further inquired about the role of IT Ministry in Crypto Council. The ministry failed to satisfy the committee over the legal cover for Crypto Council. The IT Secretary,ZarrarHasham Khan, stated that the ministry has a role of providing input with regard to TORs. The committee was of view that the Crypto Council should be under the preview of the Ministry of IT, rather than the Finance Ministry. After due deliberations, the committee deferred the matter and decided to invite the Finance Ministry in the next meeting for a comprehensive briefing. The IT secretary said that information technology and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports target of $5 billion is set for the next fiscal year. The country is likely to miss the exports target of $4.2 billion set for the outgoing fiscal year. IT exports is expected to reach $3.8 billion by the end of current fiscal year i.e. end June 2025 compared to $3.2 billion during the same period of last fiscal year. Discussing the issue of renewalof LDI/FLL licenses, the IT secretary informed that the consultation with the stakeholders has been completed as per the directions of the Sindh High Court (SHC), and the final decision will be announced in two to three weeks. Furthermore, the committee was briefed on the role of the IT Ministry in Pakistan Digital Authority. The IT secretary apprised that the Pakistan Digital Authority has been tasked to implement digital transformation initiatives focused on making the economy and governance digital, and will eventually play a major role in creating citizens centered 'Digital Society'. However, the IT Ministry is mainly responsible for policy formulation, legislation, governance in IT and telecommunications sector, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India.com
10-05-2025
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: IT Ministry Shares Do's And Don'ts For Internet Users Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Operation Sindoor: Amid the ongoing tension at the India-Pakistan border, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a crucial advisory for internet users across India. With rising threats of misinformation and cyber-attacks, the government is urging users to stay vigilant, avoid sharing unverified content, and report suspicious online activity. The advisory serves as a timely reminder of the role every citizen plays in safeguarding the country's digital ecosystem. The ministry (MeitY) has outlined key do's and don'ts to help citizens navigate the online space responsibly during this sensitive time, aiming to maintain digital safety and national security. The IT Ministry also posted a list of 'dos and don'ts' on X (formerly Twitter) and asked the users to be vigilant and responsible. Critical Online Safety Alert always follow cybersecurity precautions. Stay cautious while online—don't fall for traps or misinformation. Be patriotic, stay vigilant, stay safe.#Digitalindia #OperationSindoor — Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) May 9, 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict: Do's Verify Information Before Sharing: Share only news and updates from official government sources or verified media outlets. Report Misinformation: Flag and report fake news or suspicious content to authorities (e.g., WhatsApp: 8799711259, Email: socialmedia@ Use Strong Passwords: Update passwords regularly and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts. Stay Updated: Follow official government handles (like @PIBFactCheck) for real-time updates. Educate Others: Inform family and friends about safe online behavior during such sensitive times. Secure Devices: Install antivirus software and keep operating systems updated. India-Pakistan Conflict: Don'ts Don't Share Unverified Content: Avoid spreading rumors, videos, or images that could trigger panic or mislead others. Don't Engage In Hate Speech: Refrain from posting inflammatory, communal, or divisive content. Don't Click on Suspicious Links: Beware of phishing attempts disguised as war updates or news alerts. Don't Use VPNs for Illegal Activity: Avoid using VPNs to access blocked content or spread harmful material. Don't Mimic Military Communications: Never create or share fake military orders, alerts, or troop movements. Don't Amplify Enemy Propaganda: Sharing enemy narratives or disinformation can harm national interests. Report Misinformation Via WhatsApp: Furthermore, the IT Ministry has urged users to report any misinformation by messaging on WhatsApp at 8799711259 or emailing socialmedia@ Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information And Broadcasting has issued a crucial advisory to OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries operating in India. This advisory follows Operation Sindoor, a strategic mission executed by the Indian Armed Forces. Earlier on Saturday, India firmly rejected Pakistan's false propaganda, which wrongly claimed the destruction of key Indian military assets. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been steadily rising since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.
Coin Geek
09-05-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Pakistan eyes expansion of digital wallet coverage
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A digital wallet project that the Pakistani government initiated two months ago has been a massive success, closing the gender gap and reaching citizens with disability, the country's prime minister says. PM Shehbaz Sharif commissioned the distribution of the Ramazan Relief Package in early April, partly via digital wallets for the first time. The Rs 20 billion ($71 million) initiative was overseen by the IT & Telecommunications Ministry and sought to make welfare and aid distribution 'efficient, transparent, and respectful.' It aligned with the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, which was passed by parliament in January and seeks to transition Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation. Speaking at a recent event, Sharif lauded the success of digital wallets in boosting efficiency and transparency in fund transfers. 'Through digital wallets, 79% of the funds in the relief program were transferred seamlessly and transparently,' the PM stated. Starting 2026, all welfare distribution will be done via digital means, he added. According to local outlets, over 900,000 Pakistanis received aid through their newly created digital wallets and conducted nearly 2 million transactions. Significantly, a sizable portion of the users were women, which the PM says plays a role in reducing the gender gap in the program. Over 2,500 disabled people also used the digital wallets, further underscoring the initiative's importance in promoting diversity and inclusion. 'This is more than a one-time relief package. It's about fostering long-term digital habits that empower individuals and integrate them into the formal economy,' commented IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Pakistan is undergoing a digital payment transformation. In the last three months of 2024, retail digital payments grew 12%, according to data from the central bank. Pakistanis made over three billion transactions worth Rs154 trillion ($554 billion). This growth is attracting global giants. In March, Google Wallet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) announced its entry into the Pakistani market, partnering with half a dozen local banks to allow cardholders to make payments via the app. 'The launch of Google Wallet is a solid testament to Pakistan's rising digital payments adoption and will serve as a signal to other global payment solutions about the market's potential,' commented Mutaher Khan, whose Data Darbar provides market intelligence in the country. However, the market still faces significant challenges. One of these is the country's massive undocumented economy, which the government reckons is as big as the formal economy. Operators in this cash-based market operate beyond the scope of the government and pay no taxes; this makes digital payments a direct threat as they would expose the market. Watch: RockWallet is the go-to app for everyone title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
