The PTA mobile tax is probably familiar to anyone who has recently purchased a new smartphone abroad or ordered a mobile handset online. All imported phones must be registered with the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in order to be used with a SIM card issued by the country.
Pakistani networks cannot be accessed without registration.
The good news? Paying PTA tax online is easy with your CNIC or passport. Step-by-step instructions will walk you through the process for both iPhones and Androids.
What is PTA tax?
An import tax on mobile phones is known as the PTA tax. Tax revenue is generated by registering and legalizing devices used in Pakistan.
The tax amount depends on:
- iPhones usually carry a higher PTA tax than Android phones.
- Taxes on high-priced phones are higher.
- CNIC (higher tax) or passport (lower tax if registered within 60 days of arrival).
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Step 1: Check Your PTA Tax Amount
Taxes must be known before paying.
- PTA DIRBS Portal https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs
- IMEI is found by dialing *#06# on your phone.
- Click on Device Registration.
- You will receive a Payment Slip ID (PSID) with your tax payable.
For iPhones, tax ranges from PKR 35,000 to 95,000+ depending on the model. PKR 15,000 – 45,000 is usually the price for mid-range Android phones (Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Infinix).
Step 2: Pay PTA Tax Online
Paying with your PSID number can be done in a number of ways:
Option A: Via Internet/Mobile Banking
- Open your bank’s mobile app (HBL, Meezan, Alfalah, UBL, etc.).
- To make a payment, go to Bill Payments → Government Payments → FBR → PSID.
- Please enter the PSID number.
- Pay the tax.
Option B: Via ATM
- Insert debit card into ATM.
- Please select Bill Payment, Government Payments, and PSID from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your PSID.
- Confirm and pay.
Option C: Via Mobile Wallets
- Paying PTA taxes is also supported by Easypaisa, JazzCash, NayaPay, and SadaPay.
- Choose Government/Tax Payments → FBR PSID.
- Confirm payment by entering PSID and amount.
Step 3: Registration Confirmation
Payment is usually confirmed by PTA within 24–72 hours.
Your device registration will be confirmed by an SMS from PTA.
- You can also check the status on https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs.
You can use any Pakistani SIM card with your iPhone or Android once you have registered it.
Paying PTA Tax for iPhones vs Android Phones
iPhones
- The highest PTA tax slabs apply to iPhones.
- Taxes may cost PKR 85,000 – 95,000 for iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Pakistanis often register iPhones on passports (cheaper tax than CNIC).
Android Phones
- Brands differ greatly in their PTA taxes.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: PKR 65,000 tax included.
- Vivo, Oppo, Infinix: usually under PKR 30,000.
- Budget Androids: ~PKR 10,000 – 15,000 tax.
Step-by-Step Example: Paying PTA Tax for iPhone
- Dial *#06# to find IMEI.
- Enter IMEI at PTA DIRBS portal.
- Generate PSID.
- Pay via HBL Mobile App.
- Wait 48 hours for SMS confirmation.
- Enjoy full PTA-approved service with your SIM card.
Step-by-Step Example: Paying PTA Tax for Android
- Dial *#06# to find IMEI.
- Open the DIRBS portal and register.
- PSID shows lower tax than iPhones.
- Pay via Easypaisa.
- PTA confirms within 1–2 days.
- Device works normally on all networks.
FAQs – PTA Tax Online
Q1: Does PTA tax apply to my phone?
During roaming or passport entry, you can only stay for 60 days. The device will then be blocked.
Q2: Which payment method is fastest?
The fastest method is usually Internet/mobile banking.
Q3: What if my PSID expires?
On the PTA portal, create a new PSID and pay again.
Q4: Can I pay PTA tax in installments?
As of now, PTA tax must be paid in full without installments.
Q5: How to avoid PTA tax?
There’s no legal way to bypass it. Always register officially to avoid device blocking.
Common Issues While Paying PTA Tax
- PSID Not Working – Try generating a fresh PSID.
- Payment Not Showing – Wait 24 hours, then recheck status.
- Blocked Device After Payment – Contact PTA helpline with receipt.
Pros & Cons of Online PTA Tax Payment
Pros
- Quick and secure.
- Multiple payment methods.
- Immediate receipt of payment.
Cons
- Tax is very high on iPhones.
- Payment confirmation can take up to 3 days.
- Many users face errors on the DIRBS portal.
Conclusion
Once you understand how to pay PTA tax online for iPhones and Android devices, the process is straightforward. Online banking, mobile wallets, and PSID generation through DIRBS help you register your phone within days.
Pakistan requires a high PTA tax on iPhones, especially. It’s a legal requirement. All local SIM cards will work on your phone if you follow the above steps.
Make sure to check PTA tax rates before you buy a new device.
