PTA advises mobile buyers to verify tax status before purchase

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged consumers to check the tax payment status of mobile devices before making a purchase.

In an official statement, PTA emphasized that buyers must confirm that all necessary taxes have been paid and that the device is registered under the correct CNIC or passport category in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS).

For those purchasing an unregistered mobile phone, PTA clarified that it is the buyer’s responsibility to pay the required taxes and duties within 60 days to enable usage on local networks. The authority also advised consumers to submit tax payments personally through authorized banking channels to avoid fraudulent schemes or unauthorized agents falsely offering tax payment services.

Additionally, PTA reiterated that taxes and duties on mobile devices are imposed solely by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), while PTA’s role is limited to ensuring proper registration through DIRBS for legal use and connectivity.