The Pakistani government has introduced good news for people buying imported mobile phones. In the Finance Bill 2026-27, the National Assembly has approved a new facility to pay PTA taxes in monthly instalments instead of one big lump-sum payment. This change will start from July 1, 2026, and will apply to both new and used imported smartphones.
Many Pakistanis import phones from abroad because they are cheaper or have better features. However, the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) registration tax through the DIRBS system is often very high — sometimes hundreds of thousands of rupees for premium models like iPhones. Paying the full amount at once creates a big financial burden for middle-class families. The new instalment plan aims to make it easier and encourage more people to legally register their devices.
Under the plan, users will pay the tax in monthly parts, but they must clear the full amount before the end of the financial year. If someone misses an instalment, their phone may face temporary blocking until payment is made. Officials believe this will increase tax compliance, reduce the use of non-PTA phones, and help the government collect more revenue.
This step is part of efforts to boost digital inclusion in Pakistan. Smartphones are now essential for education, banking, business, and daily life. By making registration more affordable, the government hopes to bring millions of devices into the legal system.
The details of the exact procedure will be announced soon by the authorities. Many people are welcoming this relief as it reduces pressure on buyers.
