The National Assembly has approved a key relief measure in the Finance Bill 2026-27, allowing individuals to pay Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes on imported mobile phones through installments instead of a one-time payment.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden on consumers who register imported smartphones through the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). The move is expected to make it easier for individuals to legally register their devices, particularly those facing high PTA tax charges on expensive smartphones.
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Under the approved legislation, individuals importing mobile phones will be permitted to pay the applicable PTA taxes in installments under a procedure to be notified by the government. However, the law stipulates that all installments must be cleared before the end of the financial year in which the device is imported.
The facility will apply to both new and used imported mobile phones and is scheduled to come into effect from July 1, 2026, following the implementation of the Finance Act 2026-27.
Officials believe the measure will provide greater flexibility to consumers while encouraging the registration of imported devices through official channels. The government is expected to announce detailed guidelines, including the payment mechanism and eligibility criteria, in the coming weeks.
