Apple, Meta, Google, Netflix Among Top Digital Platforms in Pakistan’s Rs 317 Billion Online Spending
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis spent a staggering Rs 317 billion on popular digital apps and services during the fiscal year 2024-25, according to new figures shared by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The report, presented by FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, highlights the country’s rapidly growing digital economy.
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The spending covered a wide range of international platforms, including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Apple, Google, Netflix, AliExpress, Temu, and others. In total, over 42.6 million online transactions were made by Pakistani users throughout the year.
To regulate this surging digital activity, the federal government has proposed a new law titled the Digital Presence Proceeds Levy Act, 2025. This legislation aims to impose a 5% tax on payments made to foreign digital vendors, including e-commerce platforms, social media networks, streaming services, and online marketplaces. The tax would be deducted by payment intermediaries like banks and financial institutions at the time of transaction.
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Table: Pakistanis’ Spending on Digital Platforms (FY 2024-25)
| Platform/Service | No. of Transactions | Amount Spent (Rs Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| Meta (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp) | N/A | 12.3 |
| Apple / iTunes | 5.1 million | 6.0 |
| 2.3 million | 5.94 | |
| AliExpress | 944,466 | 4.9 |
| Netflix | 3.37 million | 2.79 |
| Temu | 376,745 | 1.8 |
| Other Platforms | 28.6 million | 281.4 |
| Total | 42.6 million | 317.13 |
📜 Legislative Developments
During the session, the Standing Committee also reviewed multiple tax-related bills, including proposed amendments to the Islamabad Capital Territory (Tax on Services) Ordinance, 2001 and the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. The committee endorsed the Digital Presence Proceeds Levy Act, 2025 with minor modifications and recommended its early passage.
The meeting was attended by several key lawmakers and officials, including Omer Ayub Khan, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Sharmila Faruque, and Ali Zahid, alongside the Minister for Finance and Revenue and the Chairman FBR.
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