Youths hail withdrawal of FED from SMS

Tweet Pin It ISLAMABAD (June 24 2009): Youths have hailed the government's decision to withdraw 20 paisa Federal Excise Duty (FED) on SMS, which it had earlier been proposed in the federal budget. Muhammad Yasin a student said the government has taken a bold step by taking back the decision of imposing tax on Short Messaging Service (SMS).He said the decision would provide relief to majority of people and would be in a position to communicate in just few paisas. A graduate from QAU Fatima said youths don't have financial capacity to afford such high prices for SMS communication. She lauded the PM's steps in withdrawing this decision.Sajid, 22, expressing gratitude over the decision said "now I can continue having communication with my friends, school fellows and relative." Atif Butt another youngster hailed the decision of taking back tax on SMS. He said the decision would facilitate almost all segments of the society including businessmen, students and others etc.Yasir Mubarak said in every country a government takes care of the basic needs of the people including communication facilities which has become extremely important in today's global world. He brushed aside the impression that SMS service was cheap in Pakistan saying sometimes you have to pay Rs 2 for a single SMS. However he lauded the decision of the government to withdraw the SMS tax.Chaudhary Arslan a student said youths have some rights and they deserve it so it was a good decision taken by the government. He said in Pakistan cellular companies were benefiting enormously from this service besides youth.He said SMS service is now a major way of advertisement, adding someone can advertise their services or products in just a few rupees. He appreciated the decision of removing SMS tax from the tax list by the government adding it will have good results for the youth and the low-income group of the society and youth, respectively.