Great News: Overseas Pakistanis can now enjoy 4 months or 120 days of Tax-Free mobile usage in Pakistan with temporary mobile registration.
In a significant development aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a new system that allows temporary mobile registration for individuals residing abroad. This move extends the tax-free period for personal mobile phones from two months to an impressive 120 days.
During the launch event, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his satisfaction with this new initiative, emphasizing that it would greatly benefit millions of overseas Pakistanis. He commended the collective efforts of the Ministry of Information Technology, senior officials from various ministries, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in implementing this system.
The online registration portal specifically caters to immigrants, providing them with the convenience of registering their phones from the comfort of their homes. Overseas Pakistanis will now be able to use their phones in Pakistan for an extended period of four months without having to pay any taxes. Furthermore, they have the option to further extend this period by an additional 120 days.
Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the importance of conducting collective consultations and deliberations on the matter of mobile phone taxation. While supporting the idea of exempting mobile phones from taxes, he stressed the need for careful consideration before making any decisions.
Speaking at the event, Federal Minister of Information Technology, Syed Aminul Haq, lauded the introduction of the temporary registration system. He highlighted that this move aligns with the vision of a Digital Pakistan and eliminates taxes on mobile phones for the convenience of overseas Pakistanis. Minister Haq also mentioned the positive growth in the mobile phone manufacturing sector, with 28 different companies now manufacturing phones within the country.
As the Prime Minister announced his plans to step down from power next month, he expressed optimism in the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, believing that the momentum gained from this initiative will continue to thrive under his guidance.
The extended tax-free mobile usage period will not only foster stronger connections between overseas Pakistanis and their families but also contribute to the growth of the digital landscape in the country. This move represents a progressive step towards creating an inclusive and technologically advanced Pakistan.
Are tourists also allowed tax-free use of mobile for 120 days in Pakistan?
Yes, tourists are also permitted to enjoy tax-free use of their mobile phones for 120 days in Pakistan.
How can expats, overseas Pakistanis, and tourists use their mobile phones for 120 days in Pakistan?
To use their mobile phones for 120 days without tax, they need to register on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) website at ‘https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/auth/login‘. After registering and verifying their mobile devices by filling out a form, they can use them for 120 days in Pakistan without paying any tax. If they wish to extend the usage period, they can follow the same registration process for an additional 120 days.
Please note that only users located within Pakistan can access the exclusive Mobile Device Registration web portal. Pakistanis who reside outside Pakistan cannot access the Mobile Device Registration web portal.
How long can you use a phone in Pakistan without tax?
According to the new rule, you can use your phone in Pakistan without tax for a period of 120 days. It is also possible to extend this period for another 120 days.
How does temporary mobile registration work to allow 120 days of tax-free usage on non-PTA mobile devices?
Under the new mechanism, mobile devices are granted up to 120 days of tax-free usage. To avail of this benefit, applicants must apply for “temporary registration” by providing their credentials and device IMEIs through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). PTA will validate the passport number through the Federal Investigation Agency’s Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) and also validate the mobile number’s SIM belonging to the applicant with mobile operators. This ensures compliance and allows for tax-free usage on non-PTA mobile devices for the specified period.
Leave a Comment