PTA asks International Travellers to pay taxes after grace periods expires

As international travelers planning to visit Pakistan, it is essential to understand the country’s mobile device registration requirements to ensure uninterrupted mobile services during your stay.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has established the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to regulate mobile devices’ usage within the country.

This guide provides detailed information on the registration process, tax obligations, and the recently introduced Temporary Mobile Registration System.

Understanding DIRBS

The Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) is an initiative by the PTA designed to identify and block non-compliant mobile devices operating on local networks.

Implemented on December 1, 2018, DIRBS aims to curb the use of smuggled or unregistered devices, ensuring that only approved devices function within Pakistan. All mobile devices connected to local networks using local SIMs are subject to registration within 60 days from their first use on Pakistani networks.

Temporary Mobile Registration System

To facilitate international travelers and overseas Pakistanis visiting for short durations, the PTA has launched the Temporary Mobile Registration System. This system allows visitors to register and use their personal mobile phones in Pakistan for up to 120 days from their arrival date without incurring any duties and taxes.

Eligibility Criteria

The temporary registration facility is available to:

• Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for short-term stays.
• Individuals who do not intend to keep their mobile devices in Pakistan permanently.

Registration Process

To avail of the temporary registration, follow these steps:

1. Account Creation: Visit the DIRBS portal at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs and sign up by providing the required credentials.
2. Information Submission: Provide the following details:
   • Passport number
   • CNIC/NICOP number (for Pakistani nationals)
   • Mobile number issued in your name by a Pakistani mobile operator
   • IMEI number(s) of the device
   • Email address
   • Date of arrival in Pakistan
   • Intended date of departure
3. Validation: The system will validate your date of arrival through the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) and verify the mobile number with the respective operator.
4. Approval: Upon successful validation, your device will be temporarily registered and allowed to operate with the specified SIM for 120 days.

Important Note: The temporary registration pairs your device’s IMEI with the declared SIM/mobile number. Using a different SIM in the registered device will result in network connectivity issues.

Permanent Registration and Tax Obligations

For travelers planning to stay in Pakistan for more than 120 days or intending to use their mobile devices continuously, formal registration and payment of applicable taxes are mandatory.

Steps for Permanent Registration

1. Application Submission: Apply for device registration through the DIRBS portal.
2. PSID Generation: Upon application, a Payment Slip Identification (PSID) will be generated, valid for 7 days.
3. Payment of Taxes: Pay the applicable FBR taxes and duties within the 7-day validity period. Failure to pay within this timeframe will result in the deletion of the application, and a new application will be required.

The taxes imposed on mobile device registration are exclusively collected by the FBR. The amount varies based on the device’s model and specifications. It is advisable to consult the FBR’s official resources or contact their helpline for precise tax calculations.

Key Considerations

• Device Limit: Individuals can bring up to five mobile devices into Pakistan per year under the personal use category
• SIM Ownership: Ensure that the mobile number used for registration is issued in your name by a Pakistani mobile operator. Foreign SIMs or numbers not registered under your credentials are not acceptable for the registration process.
• Reapplication: If you revisit Pakistan after the initial 120-day period, you must reapply for temporary registration using the same credentials.
• Device Transfer: If you sell or gift your temporarily registered device within Pakistan, the new user must register the device through the standard procedure and pay the applicable duties and taxes.

Compliance with Pakistan’s mobile device registration regulations is crucial for uninterrupted access to local mobile networks and adherence to national laws. International travelers are strongly encouraged to complete device registration through DIRBS and fulfill FBR tax obligations promptly to avoid service disruptions. For further assistance, visit the official DIRBS portal or contact the PTA’s helpline