The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected claims circulating on social media that mobile device taxes can now be paid in installments through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
The authority clarified that it did not issue any such notification. It also urged citizens to avoid relying on unverified information shared on social media platforms.
The clarification comes after a fake notification gained attention online and created confusion among mobile phone users across Pakistan.
PTA Says Viral Notification Is Fake
The PTA stated that the notification claiming mobile device taxes can be paid in installments is false and misleading.
According to the authority, it has not announced any change to the existing tax payment mechanism for mobile devices.
Therefore, users should disregard the circulating notification and verify information only through official sources.
FBR Has Sole Authority Over Mobile Device Taxes
The PTA explained that it is not responsible for assessing, imposing, or collecting taxes on imported mobile devices.
Instead, the authority clarified that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has exclusive jurisdiction over the assessment, levy, and collection of taxes and duties related to mobile phones.
As a result, any announcement regarding mobile device tax policies must come from the relevant tax authority rather than the PTA.
PTA Explains Its Role in DIRBS
The regulator also clarified its responsibilities under the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
According to the PTA, its role is limited to registering mobile devices and ensuring compliance with the country’s device registration framework.
The authority does not determine tax rates or introduce tax payment facilities through the DIRBS platform.
Consequently, users should not assume that device registration announcements involve changes to taxation policies.
Recent Advisory Related Only to DIRBS Maintenance
The PTA further explained that its most recent public advisory concerned scheduled maintenance of the DIRBS platform.
During the maintenance period, some online services may remain temporarily unavailable.
However, the authority emphasized that this advisory had no connection with mobile device tax payments or installment plans.
Citizens Urged to Verify Information
The regulator advised the public to exercise caution before sharing information obtained from unofficial sources.
It encouraged citizens to seek authentic updates only through its official communication channels.
The PTA stressed that relying on verified information can help prevent confusion caused by false claims circulating online.
Its latest clarification aims to reassure mobile users that no policy has been introduced allowing mobile device taxes to be paid in installments through the DIRBS system.
