Mobile Phone Users Get New Payment Relief
The federal government has approved an installment facility for payment of PTA tax on imported smartphones.
The decision is part of the Finance Bill 2026-27, which has been approved by the National Assembly.
The bill was presented by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Under the new provision, people who are required to pay tax on imported mobile phones through the PTA system will be allowed to pay the amount in installments.
The facility will apply through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System, commonly used for registration of imported phones.
Facility Applies to New and Used Imported Phones
According to the approved bill, the installment option will be available for both new and used imported mobile phones.
The facility will come into effect from July 1.
However, all installments must be cleared before the end of the same financial year in which the phone is imported.
The government says the new measure will make it easier for citizens to register imported smartphones without paying the full tax amount at once.
The move is expected to benefit overseas Pakistanis, travellers and consumers who bring phones from abroad.
Finance Minister Defends Budget and Economic Data
During the budget debate, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also rejected concerns over Pakistan’s GDP calculations and economic data.
He said national accounts are prepared under internationally recognised standards.
The finance minister told the National Assembly that there had been no change in the methodology used for calculating GDP, per capita income or other national indicators.
He described the federal budget as balanced, growth-oriented and focused on stability.
Aurangzeb said national consensus is needed to sustain economic recovery and continue reforms.
The approval of the Finance Bill 2026-27 also marks an important step in implementing the government’s tax and economic policy measures for the new fiscal year.
