The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that there has been no official decision 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 will be exempt from these taxes, non-PTA mobile users can temporarily register their devices by simply restarting them with a SIM card inserted.
This, however, is a provisional facility and does not signify a broader removal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on handset registration.
The PTA outlined its role as 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 underscored that the responsibility for implementing and collecting these taxes lies with the FBR, not the PTA.
To curb the spread of misinformation, the PTA advised citizens to rely on official sources for updates and to avoid disseminating unverified information. For accurate updates regarding mobile device taxes, the public is encouraged to consult the FBR directly.
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 was aimed at easing the process for returning expatriates.
