The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that no official decision has been made to remove taxes on imported mobile phones in Pakistan, countering online reports suggesting otherwise.
In a recent statement, the PTA emphasized that while returning Pakistanis are exempt from these taxes, non-PTA mobile users can temporarily register their devices by restarting them with a SIM card.
This provisional facility does not indicate a broader removal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on handset registration.
The PTA’s role involves verifying the technical standards of mobile devices for registration through the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) after paying FBR taxes. The FBR, not the PTA, is responsible for implementing and collecting these taxes.
To curb misinformation, the PTA advised citizens to rely on official sources for updates and to avoid spreading unverified information. The public is encouraged to consult the FBR for accurate updates regarding mobile device taxes.
Last year, the government introduced a facility allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their handsets tax-free through the Temporary Registration System for 120 days during each visit. This initiative aimed to ease the process for returning expatriates.
