The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a major relief for overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors by allowing one mobile device per visit to be registered without paying any tax for a period of 120 days. This new temporary registration system ensures seamless connectivity for those visiting Pakistan without the hassle of high customs duties or lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
This development is part of a broader move to facilitate digital access and simplify procedures for travelers and Pakistani citizens living abroad.
Who Is Eligible?
The 120-day tax-free mobile registration applies to:
- Overseas Pakistanis who reside abroad for 180 or more days in a calendar year
- Foreign nationals visiting Pakistan on temporary stays
- Each eligible visitor can register only one mobile phone during each visit
The 120-day period starts from the date of entry into Pakistan. The device will work on all local networks without needing to pay any import duties or taxes.
How to Register Your Mobile Device
The mobile registration process has been streamlined for user convenience and is fully digital. Here is how you can register your phone under this temporary scheme:
- Visit the DIRBS Portal: Go to the Device Registration System portal and sign up using your details including passport number, CNIC or NICOP (if applicable), local mobile number, IMEI number, and travel dates.
- Travel Verification: The system checks your travel history through integrated data shared by border management authorities to confirm your arrival and departure from the country.
- IMEI and SIM Pairing: Once you register, the system pairs the IMEI of your phone with the local SIM card provided. A one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS completes the verification process.
- Confirmation and Activation: After successful verification, your device becomes active on all Pakistani networks. The system status will show “paired,” indicating successful registration.
- Validity Period: The 120-day usage period starts from your entry date into Pakistan. Early registration does not extend this period beyond 120 days.
- Repeat Use: You can register the same mobile device again on your next visit by repeating the same process. However, the device must still be linked to your identity and used with your SIM.
Conditions and Restrictions
Despite being tax-free and automated, there are specific conditions and limitations to this scheme:
- Only one mobile device can be registered per passport per visit
- The registration is valid only when the device is used with a local SIM registered to the same person
- The registration is non-transferable, meaning the registered phone cannot be gifted or sold locally without paying applicable duties
- If the IMEI of a phone is already temporarily registered, it cannot be registered again under a different passport
- The scheme cannot be used to bypass commercial imports or permanent usage requirements
Benefits of the 120-Day Tax-Free Scheme
This new initiative comes with several advantages for overseas Pakistanis and travelers:
- Financial Relief: Avoids the burden of paying customs duties, which can be quite expensive for high-end smartphones
- Digital Convenience: Fully online and accessible from anywhere, allowing users to register in minutes without visiting government offices
- Seamless Connectivity: Registered devices work on all local networks, making communication and access to apps and services easy
- Repeatable Process: The same phone can be registered again for future visits, offering continuous value
- Supports Tourism and Diaspora: Encourages ease of travel and strengthens Pakistan’s image as a digitally forward and visitor-friendly country
What Happens After 120 Days?
Once the 120-day period expires, the device becomes inactive on local networks. The options available at that point are:
- Leave and return to Pakistan to re-register the same device under the temporary registration scheme
- Permanently register the device through the standard DIRBS process, which involves paying the applicable tax and duties
Devices not registered permanently after 120 days will no longer be able to connect to mobile networks in Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dial *#06# on your phone to find your IMEI number |
| 2 | Visit the DIRBS registration portal |
| 3 | Submit passport, SIM, IMEI, and travel info |
| 4 | Verify travel via the automated system |
| 5 | Pair IMEI with your SIM using OTP |
| 6 | Enjoy 120-day tax-free mobile service |
| 7 | Re-register or pay duties after expiry |
Why This Matters
This 120-day tax-free mobile registration system is a much-needed facility for overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors who previously had to face heavy taxes or network disconnection issues. It also marks a step forward in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. The ease, speed, and cost-effectiveness of this system are setting a new standard for how governments can assist their diaspora and improve travel experiences.
With more overseas Pakistanis returning during holidays and special events, this measure ensures they stay connected without financial stress. It not only benefits individual users but also builds goodwill and promotes a positive image of Pakistan globally.
Conclusion
The PTA’s tax-free mobile registration scheme is a practical and thoughtful solution for overseas Pakistanis and international visitors. By offering a seamless 120-day window of device usage, the initiative eliminates the need for complex documentation and high costs. Whether it’s for business, vacation, or family visits, travelers can now enjoy uninterrupted mobile access throughout their stay in Pakistan.
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