ISLAMABAD – Pakistan introduced various taxes and duties on the import and registration of mobile phones, and now speculations rife about the removal of PTA taxes in the country.
Amid the reports, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) shared an update on removal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on mobile phones.
Contrary to online reports, the telecom authority stated that there has been no official decision by the Government to remove taxes on imported mobile phones in Pakistan.
PTA further mentioned that returning Pakistanis will be exempt from these taxes and that non-PTA mobile users can register their devices by simply restarting them with a SIM card inserted.
Last year, the government of Pakistan extended a facility allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their handsets tax-free through Temporary Registration System for 120 days during each visit.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority emphasized that a temporary facility is the only current measure, and no broader removal of FBR taxes on handset registration has been implemented. It also clarified that its role is to verify the technical standards of mobile devices for registration through DIRBS after the payment of FBR taxes.
The responsibility for implementing and collecting these taxes lies with the tax collection authority. Any updates or changes regarding mobile device taxes should be confirmed directly with the FBR.
People are advised to follow information coming from proper channels and avoid sharing details without cross-checking facts.
