Overseas Pakistanis visiting their homeland can now enjoy tax-free registration of their mobile devices for up to 120 days on each trip, thanks to a new policy introduced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and implemented by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This measure addresses longstanding concerns regarding costly import duties and facilitates seamless mobile connectivity for short-term visitors.
The initiative specifically aims to support members of Pakistan’s overseas community, who frequently face significant financial burdens due to high import taxes on mobile phones brought into the country temporarily. By offering a 120-day tax-free registration window for each visit, the authorities help overseas Pakistanis avoid unnecessary expenses and encourage greater accessibility and convenience in maintaining mobile communications during their stays.
To ensure efficient implementation, PTA has established a free, fully automated online registration platform through its existing Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Visitors can easily register their devices through the Temporary Mobile Registration System, available at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs. This user-friendly digital interface enables instant, hassle-free registration without additional processing fees or prolonged manual interventions.
This policy change aligns closely with PTA’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion, aiming to enhance connectivity and ease administrative burdens, particularly for the Pakistani diaspora. The automated system significantly streamlines the registration process, ensuring visitors benefit from continuous phone connectivity immediately upon arrival, allowing for uninterrupted communication throughout their stays.
Officials anticipate that thousands of Pakistanis returning from abroad annually will benefit from the new policy. By simplifying registration processes and reducing associated costs, authorities hope to encourage visits from overseas Pakistanis and strengthen their ties with their homeland.
