PTA tax on imported smartphones can now be paid in installments

The federal government has approved a new facility allowing consumers to pay Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes on imported smartphones in installments, providing relief to individuals registering mobile devices in the country.

The provision was included in the Finance Bill 2026-27, which was presented by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and subsequently approved by the National Assembly. The new measure is aimed at making the registration of imported smartphones more affordable for consumers facing high upfront taxation costs.

Under the approved legislation, individuals required to pay taxes on imported mobile phones through the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) will be able to clear their tax liabilities through an installment plan. The facility will apply to both new and used imported smartphones.

According to the bill, all installments must be fully paid before the conclusion of the financial year in which the mobile device is imported. The new policy is scheduled to come into effect from July 1, 2026.

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The decision is expected to benefit overseas Pakistanis, frequent travelers, and individuals importing personal mobile devices, many of whom have raised concerns over the high cost of PTA registration in recent years. Officials believe the installment mechanism will encourage greater compliance with registration requirements while reducing the financial burden on consumers.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb defended the government’s broader economic policies during the budget debate in the National Assembly. Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers, he said Pakistan’s national accounts and economic indicators are prepared according to internationally recognized standards.

The finance minister also emphasized the need for national consensus to maintain economic stability and sustain the country’s reform agenda. He described the federal budget as balanced, growth-oriented, and focused on economic stability, while noting improvements in several key macroeconomic indicators over the past year.