The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom summoned the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) to explain its role in pending court cases on spectrum. The committee also called the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to clarify recent tax actions that affect small online sellers. Lawmakers made clear that the twin issues require urgent and transparent answers.
Spectrum Cases
The Committee members observed that the Frequency Allocation Board is directly involved in lawsuits on spectrum allocation. The board will be present at the next sitting in order to objectify its stand and to submit documents demonstrating what it has done and why. The committee pointed out that giving full disclosure will assist in clearing the court issues.
E-Commerce
The panel focused on the sudden imposition of taxes on home and micro sellers who use online platforms. Members said that many of these sellers operate small businesses from their homes and that aggressive tax enforcement could harm livelihoods. The committee asked the FBR to explain the legal basis for recent notices and to outline how the authority will protect micro entrepreneurs.
Committee Action
The committee decided to summon FBR officials to provide a detailed briefing on tax thresholds, audit practices, and appeal mechanisms. The legislature will consider the consistency between tax enforcement and policy objectives on digital trade and the support of small businesses. The committee will also be briefed by the Election Commission of Pakistan with regard to any implications of telecom to the electoral processes.
The standing committee will review responses from the Frequency Allocation Board and from the FBR before deciding on parliamentary or regulatory steps. The members emphasized that there is a need for a coordinated policy between the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Commerce, and the revenue authority to ensure that e-commerce grows within the parameters of law.