PTA Allows Overseas Pakistanis to Register Phones Tax-Free for 120 Days

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that overseas Pakistanis can temporarily register their mobile phones for up to 120 days per visit to Pakistan.

The facility allows eligible overseas Pakistanis to use their mobile devices in the country without paying Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes during the temporary registration period, subject to the applicable FBR policy.

According to the PTA, applicants can access the service through the automated Temporary Mobile Registration System available on the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) portal.

How to Register a Mobile Phone Temporarily

Overseas Pakistanis can apply through the online registration portal at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs.

The PTA has outlined the following steps for applicants:

1. Create an account: Sign up on the portal and select “Temporary Registration for Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Nationals.”
2. Enter identification details: Provide CNIC or NICOP information and passport details, as required. Foreign nationals must provide their passport information.
3. Verify the account: Complete verification through email or SMS, then log in.
4. Provide device details: Enter the mobile phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number or numbers and specify whether the device supports a single or dual SIM.
5. Enter a Pakistani mobile number: Provide a Pakistani mobile phone number registered in the applicant’s name.
6. Complete verification: Select the mobile network operator, submit the application and verify it using a one-time password (OTP).

Temporary Registration Valid for 120 Days

The PTA says temporary mobile registration remains valid for up to 120 days per visit to Pakistan.

Once the applicant completes the required verification successfully, the device will be registered under the temporary facility.

The scheme is intended to help eligible overseas Pakistanis stay connected during visits to their homeland without paying applicable FBR taxes for the approved temporary period, subject to the relevant policy conditions.