The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently addressed circulating news reports regarding the removal of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on mobile phones. Contrary to claims suggesting that the Prime Minister of Pakistan announced the removal of these taxes, the PTA asserts that no such decision has been communicated to them by the Government of Pakistan.
The reports falsely imply that Pakistanis returning from abroad will be exempt from paying these taxes and that non-PTA mobile users can easily get their devices approved by simply turning them on and off with a SIM inserted. However, the reality is different.
In July 2023, the Prime Minister extended a facility that allows overseas Pakistanis to register their handsets tax-free through the Temporary Registration System. This system grants a 120-day window during each visit to Pakistan. It’s essential to note that this temporary facility is the only measure currently in place, and no broader removal of FBR taxes on handset registration has been enacted.
The PTA’s role primarily involves verifying the technical standards of mobile devices for registration through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). After payment of FBR taxes, the DIRBS ensures compliance with regulations. However, the responsibility for implementing and collecting these taxes lies solely with the FBR.
For any updates or changes related to mobile device taxes, it’s advisable to confirm directly with the FBR. The PTA encourages citizens to seek accurate information from official sources rather than relying on misinformation. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
If you’re interested in the specific tax amounts for Apple iPhone 15 (All variants), here’s an overview:
Apple iPhone 15 PTA Tax Payable (All Variants):
PTA Tax on Passport: PKR 107,325
PTA Tax on CNIC: PKR 130,708
Apple iPhone 15 Plus PTA Tax:
PTA Tax on Passport: PKR 113,075
PTA Tax on CNIC: PKR 137,033
Apple iPhone 15 Pro PTA Tax:
PTA Tax on Passport: PKR 135,300
PTA Tax on CNIC: PKR 161,480
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max PTA Tax:
PTA Tax on Passport: PKR 148,500
PTA Tax on CNIC: PKR 176,000
And there are similar tax details for other iPhone models as well. Remember that these taxes are essential for bringing new phones to Pakistan and ensuring compliance with regulations.