Overseas Pakistanis can now benefit from a new 120-day tax-free mobile registration facility on each visit to the country, as announced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday. This initiative aligns with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s policy and aims to enhance connectivity and convenience for non-resident Pakistanis.
The facility is being offered through the PTA’s free and automated Temporary Mobile Registration System, which is accessible via the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) portal.
Ensuring Seamless Mobile Connectivity
According to the PTA, the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure seamless mobile connectivity for overseas Pakistanis during their short-term stays in the country. This step reflects the authority’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and facilitating ease of access for visitors.
The new facility allows eligible individuals to register one mobile device during their visit without incurring any FBR taxes. The registration remains valid for a period of 120 days, calculated from the date of their entry into Pakistan.
Streamlining Mobile Usage and Combating Smuggling
The Temporary Mobile Registration System was originally introduced to streamline mobile usage for travelers, serving multiple purposes. It aims to reduce the incidence of device smuggling into the country and contribute to maintaining a verified and secure digital environment across Pakistan.
This move is expected to be widely welcomed by overseas Pakistanis, providing them with a hassle-free way to use their mobile devices during their visits without the burden of immediate tax payments. It underscores the government’s efforts to facilitate its diaspora and improve digital services.
