The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that no official decision has been made to remove taxes on imported mobile phones in Pakistan, contrary to circulating online reports.
In a recent statement, the PTA emphasized that returning Pakistanis will be exempt from these taxes, but non-PTA mobile users can temporarily register their devices by restarting them with a SIM card inserted. However, this is a provisional measure and does not indicate a broader removal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on handset registration.
The PTA reiterated its role in verifying the technical standards of mobile devices for registration through the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) after the payment of FBR taxes. It stressed that the implementation and collection of these taxes are the FBR’s responsibility, not the PTA’s.
To prevent misinformation, the PTA urged citizens to rely on official sources for updates and avoid spreading unverified information. For accurate information on mobile device taxes, the public should consult the FBR directly.
Last year, the government introduced a facility allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their handsets tax-free for 120 days through the Temporary Registration System during each visit, aimed at simplifying the process for returning expatriates.
