Will the Burden of Mobile Phone Taxes Ease? New Details Emerge
KARACHI: An important development has emerged for people planning to bring or import mobile phones from abroad. Under the Finance Act 2026, the government has allowed the payment of PTA taxes on imported mobile phones in installments, aiming to reduce the financial burden on consumers who may find it difficult to pay the entire amount at once.
However, the detailed procedure and terms and conditions for availing the facility have yet to be officially notified.
According to officials, the new facility will apply to both new and used imported mobile phones. Consumers will still be required to pay the full tax within the prescribed period. The move is expected to provide relief, particularly to buyers of expensive smartphones, including iPhones and flagship Android devices.
Detailed Procedure Yet to Be Issued
Although installment-based payment has been approved under the law, the relevant authorities have not yet issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs), number of installments, banking mechanism, or eligibility criteria for the facility.
Consumers have therefore been advised to rely only on official announcements and avoid believing unverified claims circulating on social media.
Beware of Fake Information on Social Media
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has previously clarified that some claims circulating on social media suggested that taxes could immediately be paid in installments through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
The authority has warned that such information was incorrect and urged the public to rely only on information issued through official channels.
Who Will Benefit?
Experts believe the decision could particularly benefit consumers who can afford expensive imported smartphones but find it difficult to pay a substantial PTA tax bill in a single payment.
The installment facility could encourage legal registration of imported devices and potentially reduce the use of unregistered mobile phones.
What Should Consumers Do Before Registration?
Experts advise consumers to check the applicable PTA tax, registration eligibility, and the latest rules before purchasing an imported mobile phone.
Consumers can also check registration and tax-related information through the relevant PTA channels, including by dialing *8484# or using the PTA’s official portal.
Officials said that once the formal notification regarding the installment payment mechanism is issued, complete details will be made available to the public.
