Visitors Can Use Personal Phones for 120 Days Tax-Free
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a temporary mobile phone registration facility for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals, allowing them to use their personal devices on local mobile networks for up to 120 days without paying taxes or facing service disruptions.
The initiative has been launched through PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and is designed to facilitate short-term visitors who bring mobile phones from abroad and wish to use Pakistani SIM cards during their stay.
Under the new arrangement, eligible visitors can register one personal mobile device for temporary use. Once approved, the device will remain operational on local networks for up to 120 days from the date of arrival in Pakistan.
Officials said the measure aims to simplify connectivity for travelers while eliminating the need for immediate permanent registration of imported devices.
Tax Exemption and Improved Digital Access
Furthermore, PTA confirmed that temporarily registered devices will be exempt from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) duties and taxes during the approved period. The authority believes the initiative will particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis who frequently return for family visits, business engagements, holidays, weddings, and other personal commitments.
The facility is also intended to ensure uninterrupted access to essential digital services, including mobile internet, online banking applications, ride-hailing platforms, messaging services, and other communication tools widely used in daily life.
According to PTA, reliable connectivity has become increasingly important for travelers who depend on digital platforms for communication, transportation, and financial transactions while visiting the country.
Fresh Registration Required for Every Visit
The authority clarified that the temporary registration applies only to short-term visits and does not replace the standard device registration process required for permanent use in Pakistan.
Visitors must submit a new registration request each time they enter the country. PTA emphasized that the scheme is designed solely to facilitate temporary usage and improve the experience of overseas Pakistanis and foreign guests.
Officials expressed hope that the initiative will enhance convenience, support digital inclusion, and encourage smoother communication for travelers during their stay in Pakistan.
