The federal government has officially approved a new facility allowing consumers to pay Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes on imported mobile phones in installments under the Finance Bill 2026-27, which has been passed by the National Assembly.
The decision aims to reduce the immediate financial burden on individuals registering imported smartphones through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), a framework used to regulate and document mobile devices operating in Pakistan.
Under the newly approved law, individuals required to pay PTA taxes on imported mobile phones will now be allowed to clear their dues in structured installments. However, the Finance Bill specifies that the entire tax amount must be fully paid before the end of the financial year in which the device is imported.
The installment facility will apply to both new and used imported mobile phones, offering relief to consumers who previously had to pay the full tax amount upfront at the time of registration.
The measure is set to take effect from July 1, 2026, coinciding with the implementation of the Finance Act 2026-27. Authorities will issue a detailed notification outlining the payment mechanism, eligibility criteria, and procedural guidelines for users.
The introduction of installment-based payment is expected to improve compliance under the DIRBS system by making it easier for consumers to legally register imported smartphones without facing immediate high-cost barriers.
Industry observers note that imported smartphones form a significant portion of Pakistan’s mobile market, and high upfront taxation has often been cited as a challenge for consumers. The new policy is expected to bring greater flexibility while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Officials emphasize that the reform does not reduce PTA tax rates but only restructures the payment method. This ensures continued revenue collection while improving affordability for end users.
With the rollout of this facility, consumers will be able to manage device registration costs more effectively, while the government maintains its objective of documenting all mobile devices operating within the country’s telecom network.
