Facility available for 120 days per visit through PTA’s automated system
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a tax-free mobile phone registration facility for overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to register one device free of tax for up to 120 days during each visit to Pakistan.
In an official statement, the FBR said, “Overseas Pakistanis can avail this facility under the FBR policy, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted mobile connectivity for short-term visitors.”
The initiative is being implemented in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) through its Temporary Mobile Registration System, available online via the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) portal: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs.
PTA emphasized that this policy is designed to promote digital inclusion and ease of access for visitors returning to their homeland. “This initiative ensures seamless mobile connectivity during short stays in Pakistan and reflects PTA’s commitment to supporting digital access for all overseas visitors,” the statement read.
Additional Digital Inclusion Efforts
In related efforts to improve digital accessibility, PTA—working with PTCL and private partners—recently launched free Wi-Fi hotspots at selected Higher Education Commission (HEC)-recognized universities, including women’s institutions, for a period of six months. The initiative aims to enhance students’ access to online learning resources.
In celebration of Pakistan surpassing 200 million telecom subscribers, mobile phone manufacturers have donated 2,000 locally assembled smartphones, which will be distributed to female SIM card owners across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) through computerized balloting.
“PTA remains committed to connecting Pakistan and digitally empowering its people,” the statement concluded.
