PTA announces tax exempt mobile registration for overseas Pakistanis

Following an announcement by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a 120-day tax-free mobile phone registration window for Overseas Pakistanis during each visit to the country.

According to the PTA, overseas Pakistanis can now register their mobile devices free of charge through the automated Temporary Mobile Registration System available on the DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) portal.

The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity for expatriates during short stays, reflecting PTA’s commitment to digital accessibility and inclusion.

However, the PTA clarified that recent rumors suggesting a permanent removal of levies on imported mobile phones are entirely baseless.

In a separate development, the PTA has taken strict action against the misuse of mobile connections. Media reports indicate that over 163,000 illegal SIM cards have been blocked across the country.

As part of a broader crackdown on fraud and scams, more than 6.4 million inactive SIMs have been permanently disabled.

Additionally, the PTA has blocked nearly 2.99 million SIMs registered to deceased individuals, 69,246 SIMs linked to canceled CNICs, and 171 SIMs registered under unrelated women’s names in newly formed districts.