The Pakistani government has implemented the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to register and block non-compliant devices on mobile phone networks. Contrary to unverified social media posts, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that there has been no official decision to remove taxes on imported mobile phones in Pakistan.
In a statement, PTA specified that only overseas Pakistanis would be exempt from these taxes, and non-PTA mobile users can temporarily register their devices by restarting them with a SIM card inserted. It’s essential to understand that this temporary step does not imply a larger elimination of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on registering devices. PTA emphasized the distinction between its role in verifying technical standards for device registration through DIRBS and FBR’s responsibility for implementing and collecting taxes.
Additionally, the PTA urged the public to rely on official sources for updates and refrain from sharing unverified information.
Has PTA Removed taxes on mobile?
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed online reports claiming that taxes on imported mobile phones in Pakistan will be removed. PTA clarified that no official decision has been made regarding this matter. While returning Pakistanis may be exempt from these taxes, non-PTA mobile users can temporarily register their devices by restarting them with a SIM card inserted. However, it’s important to note that this provision is temporary and does not imply a wider elimination of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on handset registration.
Is PTA Tax Removed?
The reports inaccurately claim that returning Pakistanis won’t be subject to these taxes and that non-PTA mobile users can gain approval for their devices simply by toggling them on and off with a SIM card inserted.
In July 2023, the Prime Minister extended a provision allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their phones tax-free through the Temporary Registration System for 120 days during each visit to Pakistan. The PTA emphasizes that this temporary setup is the only current solution, and there hasn’t been a wider removal of FBR taxes on registering mobile phones.
The PTA also clarified its role, stating that it verifies the technical standards of mobile devices for registration through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) post the payment of FBR tax. The responsibility for implementing and collecting these taxes falls solely on the FBR.