If you are an overseas Pakistani or a foreign national visiting Pakistan, you might be wondering how to use your mobile phone in the country without paying the PTA tax. The good news is that there is a temporary registration service that allows you to use your phone for 120 days without any tax.
What is the Temporary Registration Service?
The temporary registration service is a joint initiative of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). It was launched in July 2023 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (R) Hafeez ur Rehman, Federal Minister IT & Telecom Syed Aminul Haque, and other dignitaries.
The purpose of this service is to facilitate foreign nationals who bring their mobile phones from outside Pakistan. It allows them to use their phones on the local network service for 120 days without paying the PTA tax. After 120 days, the phone will not be functional on the local network unless the tax is paid.
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How to Avail the Temporary Registration Service?
To avail the temporary registration service, you need to provide the following information:
– Your passport number
– Your arrival date in Pakistan
– Your IMEI number of your mobile phone
You can apply for this service online through the [FBR website] or through the [PTA app]. You can also visit any FBR or PTA office or designated kiosk at the airport or border crossing.
When you apply for this service, the FBR, PTA, and FIA will verify your information through the FIA IBMS (Immigration and Border Management System). The immigration staff will enter your data into their system and activate your phone.
You will receive a confirmation message on your phone with a registration number and an expiry date. You can also check the status of your registration through the [FBR website] or the [PTA app].
Benefits of the Temporary Registration Service
The temporary registration service is a great way to use your foreign mobile phone in Pakistan without paying the PTA tax. It offers the following benefits:
– It saves you money and hassle of paying the tax or buying a local SIM card.
– It allows you to stay connected with your family and friends in Pakistan and abroad.
– It enables you to access online services and apps that require a local number.
– It supports the government’s efforts to facilitate overseas Pakistanis and other foreign visitors.
The temporary registration service is a convenient and easy way to use your foreign mobile phone in Pakistan for 120 days without paying the PTA tax. It is available for all foreign nationals who bring their phones from outside Pakistan. You can apply for this service online or offline with some basic information. You will receive a confirmation message with a registration number and an expiry date. You can enjoy using your phone on the local network service until then.
If you have any questions or feedback about this service, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.