Owning an iPhone in Pakistan comes with additional costs due to PTA taxes, which are mandatory for activating a Pakistani SIM card on imported devices. These taxes apply to all iPhone models, from the older iPhone 5 to the latest iPhone 15, and can reach substantial amounts.
High PTA Tax Rates on iPhones
The PTA tax on iPhones in Pakistan is notably high, often exceeding six figures for the newest models. Despite these significant costs, the demand for Apple products remains strong among Pakistanis. This demand is driven by several factors:
- Superior operating systems
- Integrated hardware
- Aesthetic appeal
- Regular software updates
- Enhanced privacy and security features
- Higher resale values
Factors Contributing to High Costs
Several factors contribute to the high costs of owning an iPhone in Pakistan:
- Currency Depreciation: The depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee increases the cost of imported goods, including iPhones.
- Import Challenges: Limited official availability of Apple devices in Pakistan makes importing them a challenge, further driving up costs.
PTA Taxes Breakdown for 2024-25
The approval of the 2024-25 budget has outlined the PTA taxes for various iPhone models as follows:
| Apple Device Model | Tax on Passport (PKR) | Tax on CNIC (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | 62,800 | 76,400 |
| iPhone XR | 57,850 | 71,450 |
| iPhone XS | 72,650 | 86,250 |
| iPhone XS Max | 77,600 | 91,200 |
| iPhone 11 | 67,300 | 86,700 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 93,200 | 115,110 |
| iPhone 12 | 75,450 | 94,100 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | 86,150 | 107,400 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 103,300 | 125,200 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 107,300 | 130,700 |
| iPhone 13 | 86,150 | 107,400 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | 90,850 | 118,400 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 105,650 | 128,850 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 110,350 | 137,900 |
| iPhone 14 | 107,300 | 130,700 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 113,000 | 137,000 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 122,300 | 147,150 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 131,150 | 156,900 |
| iPhone 15 | 107,300 | 130,700 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 113,100 | 137,000 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 135,300 | 161,500 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 148,500 | 176,000 |
While the PTA taxes add a significant amount to the overall expense of purchasing an iPhone in Pakistan, the demand for these premium devices remains strong. With the approval of the 2024-25 budget, potential iPhone buyers should be aware of these costs and plan accordingly.
