Islamabad, July 05, 2021 (PPI-OT):Former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt on Sunday said traders unconditionally support the government’s decision to introduce levy of Rs 0.75 per voice call exceeding five minutes. The decision has been taken in the national interest and it should not be reversed under any circumstances, he said.

Talking to traders, Shahid Rasheed Butt said that mobile operators and their association have been pressurizing the government to reverse the decision which should be rejected. The cell phone companies are making their case by cautioning that the decision will hit masses and companies, reduce investment, put new investments on hold and reduce revenue which are groundless, he said.

The business leader noted that the importance of mobile phones for social and economic development cannot be overemphasized but its negative impact cannot be ignored. Lauding the government for the decision, he said that different packages and bundle offers are mostly used by youth for useless talk as important matters can be discussed in few minutes.

Excessive talk is not only harmful for the health but it serves no purpose except for wastage of time while it is also used for the purpose which is not supported by our culture. There is no evidence that talking endlessly is productive in any way, he said, adding that government should consider doubling the tax on such calls.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt
Consul General Ghana
Former President ICCI
Former Patron ICST
Tel: +92-333-5132199, +92-51-2822571