KABUL - The Afghan government last week slapped new 10 percent tax levy against telecom companies which is directly affecting mobile phone subscribers.

While the Afghan general public urge transparency of the incomes received from tax levies on communication services, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) on Saturday announced that 78 million Afs so far had been collected since the process officially started.

MCIT has renewed commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure transparency of the tax collection.

Recently, government warned telecom companies against violating the law, saying that those disregarded the law will be referred to legal and judicial institutions.

As calls for cheaper internet prices deepen, ministry officials have pledged to consider plans to reduce the prices and provide world class internet services to the people.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced that it was jointly working with the ministry of communication and information technology to ensure close monitoring of telecom activities with the help of modern technology INSTALLED, in attempt to make sure that taxes are collected correctly.

"Internet prices will be reduced in the near future if God willing, there will be a 20 percent cut on internet prices," minister of communications and information technology, Abdul Razaq Wahidi said.

"We assure the people that all Afs will be collected, the money has major importance to us to increase national revenues and get self-reliance for funding our projects," deputy minister of finance, Ahmad Shafi Qarizada said.

Reacting to income taxes imposed on communication services, Afghan citizens have asked the government to ensure transparency and spend the money for development of the country and prevent privileged elements to use the money. (Tolonews)