Bloggers and websites in Pakistan on Tuesday displayed “Don’t tax the internet” message as part of their ‘blackout campaign’ against hefty taxes imposed on internet services in the country’s most populous Punjab province.
According to a joint statement issued by digital media of Pakistan, the Punjab government has imposed a whopping 19.5 per cent tax on all kinds of internet usage for those with Rs 1,500 or above monthly bills or 2Mbps and above broadband speeds.
The tax has been imposed on all kinds of internet services in Punjab including 3G, 4G, DSl, EVDO, and fiber.
“The Pakistani digital media that has the support from cellular mobile operators, banks, consumer associations, PASHA and ISPAK along with civil society, has started blacking their screens with a message “Don’t tax the internet” in protest against taxes on internet,” the statement said.