PTA has issued an important advisory for all mobile phone consumers, urging them to verify the tax payment status of their devices before making any purchases. This measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with national regulations and preventing buyers from facing unexpected connectivity issues due to unpaid duties.
In its official statement, PTA emphasized that all consumers must confirm that the required taxes on mobile devices have been duly paid and that the devices are registered under the appropriate CNIC or passport category in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS). This system plays a crucial role in identifying, registering, and blocking non-compliant devices to curb the illegal import of mobile phones and protect consumers from financial losses.
PTA further clarified that individuals purchasing unregistered mobile devices must take full responsibility for fulfilling all applicable tax and duty obligations within 60 days of purchase. Failure to do so will result in restricted network access, preventing the device from being used on local telecom networks. To ensure a secure and transparent process, PTA strongly advised consumers to personally submit the required tax payments exclusively through authorized banking channels. This precaution is necessary to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes or unauthorized intermediaries claiming to facilitate tax payments on behalf of buyers.
The regulatory authority reiterated that all mobile phone-related taxes and duties are imposed solely by FBR. PTA’s role in this process is strictly limited to overseeing the registration of devices via DIRBS, ensuring that only legally imported and properly taxed devices can operate on Pakistan’s telecom networks. The authority urged consumers to remain cautious and well-informed about tax requirements before making any mobile phone purchases to avoid inconvenience and financial loss.
This advisory comes at a time when the government has been actively enforcing regulations to eliminate the smuggling and unauthorized use of mobile phones. DIRBS, implemented by PTA, has played a pivotal role in identifying and blocking non-compliant devices, ensuring that only legally imported and properly taxed phones can be used in the country. By strengthening enforcement measures and enhancing consumer awareness, the PTA aims to further streamline mobile device registration and taxation processes, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and regulated mobile market in Pakistan.
