Mobile Phone Taxes in Pakistan: Don't Fall for Fake News!
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) wants to clear the air about recent reports concerning mobile phone taxes. Here’s the breakdown:
- No Tax Removal: Contrary to rumors, the Prime Minister hasn’t removed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes on mobile phones. The PTA hasn’t received any official communication about such a change.
- Misleading Claims: Reports suggesting tax exemption for returning Pakistanis or easy device approval through SIM insertion are completely false.
- Temporary Exemption Exists: In July 2023, the Prime Minister extended a program allowing overseas Pakistanis to register phones tax-free for 120 days per visit (Temporary Registration System). This is the only current exception.
Setting the Record Straight: Mobile Phone Taxes in Pakistan
The PTA’s Role:
- Technical Verification: The PTA focuses on verifying mobile device standards for registration through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). DIRBS ensures compliance with regulations after FBR tax payment.
- Taxes Handled by FBR: The FBR is solely responsible for implementing and collecting mobile device taxes.
Stay Informed:
- Verify Tax Updates: To confirm any changes in mobile device taxes, contact the FBR directly.
- Fight Misinformation: The PTA urges everyone to seek accurate information from official sources and avoid relying on rumors.
iPhone 15 Tax Details (for reference):
The provided information details the specific PTA tax amounts for various Apple iPhone 15 models based on registration type (Passport or CNIC). Remember, these taxes are necessary for using new phones legally in Pakistan.
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
- 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
For any updates or changes related to mobile device taxes, it is 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!
