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PTA phone registration and heavy taxes

Varun said:
And even if this were the reason there shouldn't be any reason to pay money at all.

A nominal amount like Rs. 25/- at max.
Click to expand...

Tax applies only on Overseas coming mobile phones. If you buy phone in Pakistan, you dont have to pay any penny.
 
pakistanisgreat said:
I am not expert either, neither i know about this anything. But i thing it is good for country the more phone will come people will buy more sims and data. those companies will pay more taxes the more they make money.
But again anyone with this knowledge can explain advantages or disadvantages.
Click to expand...

You should have bought the phone in Pakistan though. But any ways, i think the tax seems bit too much.

You should visit PTA office, from what i know taxes are reduced. Visit PTA office and talk to them.

Or else try registering it with passport. It will be free for you.
 
pakistanisgreat said:
This is really nonsense. The sales taxes in the entire world is below 10 percent however in pakistan it is 14%. the 14 percent would be close to 13000. I would not mind paying that. but 56000 is way too much. with that i can buy 2 OPPO new phone.
Click to expand...

I am surprised no one from the UK has picked up on this point.

In the UK we have a sales tax known as VAT. It is currently at 20%. Twenty.
 
i think only one phone is allowed without paying any tax but you have to register it for free. if you want to registered more phones thn you have to pay whatever the tax is.
 
Lonewarrior said:
i think only one phone is allowed without paying any tax but you have to register it for free. if you want to registered more phones thn you have to pay whatever the tax is.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's the only concern they should go easy on taxes. Like i said above i do not mind paying taxes but paying 62% taxes is way too much.
 
Looks like there's an update to the situation which is expected to be applied soon.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4yffU3UE4I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Senate Committee Recommends Duty-Free Import of One Mobile Phone

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, with a majority vote, has recommended the import of one mobile in personal baggage and asked the same from the FBR.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi said that baggage rule was misused in the past, compelling the government to withdraw the facility and resulting in duty/taxes being applicable on every mobile handset import.

He added that the recommendation for allowing duty-free import of mobile phones under the baggage rule would be tabled before the federal cabinet.

FBR Under Fire for Taxing All Mobile Phone Imports:

The parliamentary panel, which met with Rubina Khalid in the chair, dismissed FBR’s suggestion to withdraw the facility and stated that instead of blocking loopholes in the system and improving check and balance, the Board took away the facility which annoyed international passengers, especially overseas Pakistanis, hurting every segment of the society including students and other individuals.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) confronted FBR on taxes on mobile phone imports, saying that it was affecting the IT sector’s growth negatively as well as the digital agenda of the government.

The senators from the government benches also opposed the government’s decision of imposing a duty on import of even a single mobile phone handset. The committee recommended to suspend an order of FBR and allow one duty-free mobile phone import under the baggage rules and passed the motion with a majority.

The Committee was of the view that wealthy people can afford any price of phones and taxes levied on them but the larger part of the population, who are using phones for multiple purposes, cannot afford it.

FBR gave a briefing on reasons for the withdrawal of customs duty exemption on the imported phone per the calendar year under the personal baggage rules.

It informed the committee that the duty-free allowance on the import of mobile phones was withdrawn because the facility was being misused. Data of international arriving passengers was being stolen and the passport numbers and flight data was being used to enter data details in the Mobile Device Registration Software to claim an exemption under the baggage rules.

Furthermore, the government desired that there should be uniformity in the application of duty/taxes whether brought into Pakistan by passengers or locally procured and, therefore, the exemption was withdrawn to avoid this anomaly.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that more than 0.6 million units were imported under the baggage rule and most of them were high-end and expensive, and it was reported that the facility was being misused. He further said that taxes were reviewed and reduced for commercial and baggage imports.

He further said that more than 10 million mobile phone handsets were imported during 2018-19 and the government collected around Rs 28.8 billion in taxes. However during the first four months of the current fiscal year, around 7.6 million phones were imported and the government collected Rs 15.1 billion under the head of duties and taxes, indicating that imports increased.

Senators Faisal Javed and Shahzad Waseem said that mobile phones are not only for calls but also for businesses.

The meeting was attended among others by Senators Kalsoom Parveen, Shehzad Waseem, Faisal Javed Khan, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Abdur Rehman Malik, Sana Jamali, Fida Muhammad, Hasil Bizenjo, Chairman FBR, Secretary IT&T, SSP Rawalpindi, Director Cyber Crimes FIA and other officials.

https://propakistani.pk/2019/11/25/...e-import-of-mobile-phones-under-baggage-rule/
 
Jin Chacha said:
Can you clarify? Isn't that exactly the reason this is supposed to reduce imports?
Click to expand...

1. Pakistanis are going to import phones anyway as people are not going to buy GFive and other locally assembled feature-phones.

2. People buying expensive phones are going to pay taxes anyway, hence adding more internal burden.
 
shockbound said:
1. Pakistanis are going to import phones anyway as people are not going to buy GFive and other locally assembled feature-phones.

2. People buying expensive phones are going to pay taxes anyway, hence adding more internal burden.
Click to expand...

Don't really agree to be honest. Of course people will not switch to locally assembled phones but a lot of them will switch to less expensive mid tier phones because the tax is significant. If it was that trivial, the OP wouldn't have been worried about it. And if the people are willing to pay 50k in taxes just to have an iphone then at least in my opinion the extra tax burden is perfectly justified because lets face it a $500 phone is a luxury item in country like ours.
 
Anyone who defends this move by the government is definitely not an Insafian.
 
Jin Chacha said:
Don't really agree to be honest. Of course people will not switch to locally assembled phones but a lot of them will switch to less expensive mid tier phones because the tax is significant. If it was that trivial, the OP wouldn't have been worried about it. And if the people are willing to pay 50k in taxes just to have an iphone then at least in my opinion the extra tax burden is perfectly justified because lets face it a $500 phone is a luxury item in country like ours.
Click to expand...

He is worried but people's been buying 20lac+ corolla.

and no this ransom is not justified. One could be spending his/her health savings. We dont need to enslave ourselves for Mercedes of President or Army's new toy.
 
PTA extends IMEI blocking deadline

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has extended the deadline third time for blocking the mobile device IMEIs till July 3 for all GSMA valid IMEIs seen on mobile networks but currently not registered with the PTA.

The extension has been given to provide relief and facilitate the public, and ensure social distancing during this difficult time.

The blocking of such mobile devices will start from 4th July 2020 and will be communicated via SMS well in time.

As per regulations, all mobile devices being connected to local networks using local SIMs are subject to register within 60 days from first use on Pakistani networks.

However, due to extraordinary circumstances, non-registered device IMEIs, which were to be blocked between 18th March to 3rd July 2020, will now start getting blocked from 4th July 2020.

The PTA launched Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) from January 15, 2019.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is expecting to generate Rs56 billion of revenue in account of taxes/duties on commercial import of mobile phones/devices in 2019-2020 i.e. 154 percent increase compared to Rs22 billion during the same period of last year due to implementation of the DIRBS.

According to the PTA, taxes/duties collected from individual consumers rose to Rs4.14 billion during the period of 15 Jan 2019 to 12 Feb 2020, an untapped area and no revenue was collected before the DIRBS implementation.

On the commercial import side, the revenue of Rs22 billion during last fiscal year 2018-2019 rose to Rs28.3 billion in just first six months of fiscal year 2019-2020.

According to the FBR this figure is expected to rise to Rs56 billion by year end, a phenomenal increase of almost 154 percent, during a period of economic crisis.

Since the implementation of the DIRBS, a total of 100 million IMEIs were paired (means an IMEI is pegged to another unique identifier such as IMSI or MSISDN) through the DIRBS of which 38.8 million had a valid GSMA identifier, but were duplicated and 61.7 million were not valid identifiers.

These IMEIs have been allowed to work until the lifetime of mobile device.

The PTA has also blocked 147,444 IMEIs reported stolen through the DIRBS during the year 2019.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/1002047/pta-extends-imei-blocking-deadline
 

PTA to impose fine on unused SIM​


(Web Desk) - Telecom operators offer free SIMs, but people often keep them unused for an extended period without deactivating.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) addresses this by imposing a Rs200 fine starting January 1, 2024, on SIMs inactive for six months.

Operators in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) can charge a "SIM Disowning Charge" for such cases.

To check SIM status, visit https://cnic.sims.pk/ or send an SMS with CNIC number (without dashes) to 668.

PTA urges returning unnecessary SIMs by December 31, 2023, to avoid charges, and promoting responsible usage.

Illegal SIM issuance cases may receive a one-time waiver.

PTA emphasises commitment to national safety, security, and uninterrupted telecom services.

Source: Dunya News
 
I don't understand the need of such a fine. If they allow someone to have multiple sims that it should up to that person how often he uses his sims.
 
Pakistan sees massive drop of 199% in mobile phone imports


In a significant development, Pakistan has witnessed a substantial decline in the imports of mobile phones during the current financial year.

According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), foreign exchange spending on mobile phone imports from July to November 2023 amounted to $28.69 million.

This figure represents a staggering 199 per cent decrease compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year, when the country spent $85.83 million on the imports of mobile phones.

The drastic reduction highlights a notable shift in consumer behaviour and market dynamics.

Breaking down the data further, it is revealed that in November alone, $7.13 million was expended on mobile phone imports.

This marks a slight increase from the $6.19 million spent in October but is significantly lower than the $6.258 million recorded in November of the preceding year.

The broader context of total imports in the work sector during the mentioned period reveals a figure of $676.062 million.

This is a substantial uptick from the $373.11 million recorded in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, indicating a broader trend in the sector’s economic activity.

The reasons behind this sharp decline in mobile phone imports remain a subject of interest for analysts and policymakers alike.



Source: HUM News
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Pakistan sees massive drop of 199% in mobile phone imports


In a significant development, Pakistan has witnessed a substantial decline in the imports of mobile phones during the current financial year.

According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), foreign exchange spending on mobile phone imports from July to November 2023 amounted to $28.69 million.

This figure represents a staggering 199 per cent decrease compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year, when the country spent $85.83 million on the imports of mobile phones.

The drastic reduction highlights a notable shift in consumer behaviour and market dynamics.

Breaking down the data further, it is revealed that in November alone, $7.13 million was expended on mobile phone imports.

This marks a slight increase from the $6.19 million spent in October but is significantly lower than the $6.258 million recorded in November of the preceding year.

The broader context of total imports in the work sector during the mentioned period reveals a figure of $676.062 million.

This is a substantial uptick from the $373.11 million recorded in the corresponding period of the previous financial year, indicating a broader trend in the sector’s economic activity.

The reasons behind this sharp decline in mobile phone imports remain a subject of interest for analysts and policymakers alike.



Source: HUM News
Click to expand...
Obviously these are because of PTAs stringent policies. People these days are operating phones without Sims and internet connection only.
 
At one time the mobile market in Pakistan was growing very well but after these additional taxes it has been ruined for both sellers and buyers.

Most of the ppl prefer to use their phones without sims just to avoid heavy PTA taxes.
 
SIMs issued on expired CNICs to be blocked

Federal Minster for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday ordered blocking mobile SIMs issued on invalid and expired identity cards. Presiding over a meeting at Nadra headquarters here, he also directed free-of-cost issuance of death certificates.

The minister visited all wings of Nadra and instructed authorities concerned to set up Nadra offices across the country on the pattern of model police stations in Punjab.

The minister directed to ensure complete security of citizens’ data. He said that more facilities should be provided on mobile platforms for the convenience of the people and social media should be used effectively to promote the institution’s initiatives.

The Nadra chairman briefed the minister about NAdra’s Roadmap 2024-25, which included modern and phased security architecture, cybersecurity audits and employee cybersecurity awareness and Nadra Strategic Plan.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Pakistan witnesses record surge in import of cellphones

A record surge was reported in the imports of mobile phones, worth Rs 369 billion, during the initial nine months of the ongoing fiscal year, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing Bureau of Statistics report.

The data released by the Bureau of Statistics revealed a staggering 248 percent increase in mobile phone imports during the first nine month compared to the corresponding timeframe of the previous fiscal year.

Notably, imports soared from Rs 106 billion to over Rs 369 billion from July to March.

As per the Bureau of Statistics, the imports worth of Rs 42.065 billion was recorded in March 2024, while February 2024 recorded imports worth Rs 44.091 billion.

Comparing March 2024 to March 2023, there was jaw-dropping Year-on-Year (YoY) growth of 930.92 percent in mobile phone imports, with figures skyrocketing from $14.846 million to a significant amount.


ARY News
 
Telecom Operators Association denies reports of agreement to block SIMs

Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan has denied the news of an agreement with the Federal Board of Revenue over blocking of SIMs belonging to non-filers.

Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan Secretary General Mr. Kamal Ahmed said that during yesterday’s meeting with the FBR, telecom operators highlighted additional technical and operational issues alongside legal issues in its implementation.

“Another meeting is planned to discuss the way forward. Telecom operators did not provide assurance for blocking SIMs,” a statement issued by the Association said.

Earleir reports had suggested that the telecommunication companies in Pakistan has reached an agreement with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to block the mobile phone Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) of over half a million individuals who have failed to file their tax returns.


AAJ News
 
One of the worst policies to be implemented by our govt was to put this stupid tax on imported phones. It's stupid that people have to pay taxes to govt for something they have no role in. The worst of all that is, the tax money probably goes to the corrupt people.
 
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced significant revisions to the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and the Federal Excise Act, resulting in a substantial increase in the prices of high-end mobile phones in Pakistan.

The revised tax measures, effective immediately, impose a 25 per cent sales tax on the import of mobile phones in Completely Built Up (CBU) condition valued at over $500.

Under the new regulations, the following sales tax rates apply:

  • Import tax on mobiles:
    • 25% sales tax on CBU mobile phones valued over $500.
    • 18% sales tax on CBU mobile phones valued at or below $500.
  • Local manufacturing Tax:
    • 18% sales tax on locally manufactured CBU mobile phones.
  • CKD/SKD import tax:
    • 18% sales tax on mobile phones imported in CKD/SKD condition, regardless of value.
The imposition of the 25 percent sales tax on high-value mobile phones aims to generate additional revenue for the government but is expected to impact consumers and the mobile phone market significantly.

For imported CBU phones valued at or below $500, an 18 percent sales tax will apply. Additionally, an 18 percent sales tax will be charged on locally manufactured mobile phones in CBU condition and on imports in CKD/SKD condition, irrespective of their value.


Samaa TV
 
PTA issues advisory about buying mobile phones

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a warning to consumers to exercise caution when purchasing mobile phones from the market.

In a statement shared on social media, the PTA advised the public to be vigilant against cloned or duplicate mobile devices.

The authority emphasised that consumers should always purchase phones from reliable sources and ensure that the devices come with a valid warranty.

The PTA further instructed buyers to opt for boxed phones, verify the PTA stamp on the box, and check that the IMEI number on the phone matches the one on the box.

To verify their devices, users are encouraged to visit the website /https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk, text their IMEI number to 8484, or use the DVS app.

The PTA warned against purchasing expensive devices at unusually low prices or those without a warranty.

Consumers were advised to ensure they buy boxed mobile devices and to contact the vendor and report any issues to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) if they fall victim to a scam.


Dunya News
 
PTA set to block THESE mobile phones

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned users against buying cloned or duplicate mobile devices.

In a statement, the PTA announced that cloned or duplicate mobile devices will be blocked to prevent illegal activities.

“Always buy from reliable sources and ensure the phone has a warranty. Purchase box-packed phones, check the PTA stamp on the box, and match the IMEI on the box and phone,” the authority added.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has instructed users to check the IMEI of their devices through the Dirbs website or by texting the IMEI to 8484.

“If you’ve received a message from PTA about your device being cloned or duplicated, verify your IMEI by dialing *#06# and compare it with the IMEI mentioned in the PTA message,” the authority said in the statement.

In case users continue to face the issue, they were advised to complete evidence of their mobile device’s purchase and FBR tax payment on the PTA CMS at complaint.pta.gov.pk.

The authority went on to issue a warning about investing in expensive devices that are being sold for exceptionally low prices or without a warranty.

Customers were urged to make sure they purchase mobile devices that are packaged, get in touch with the seller, and report any problems to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) if they become the target of fraud, the Authority informed.


ARY News
 
Don't know if this would go here or somewhere else but I was talking to a friend of mine who works in export financing in a major bank and he claims Pakistan is awash in India made cellphones. Obviously I was surprised since there's no direct trade but he showed me some numbers and amazingly India has exported close to 10 million phones to the UAE in the last 15 months. Obviously the UAE is not really buying this many relatively cheaper phones and according to him, almost all those phones are going to Pakistan (or Afghanistan indirectly) where they get rebranded as 'Made in Pakistan.'

If so, it's a weird way for the two countries to trade.
 
PTA to block THESE SIMs in October 2024

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced to block all the SIM cards issued in the names of deceased person, ARY News reported on Thursday.

The PTA in its announcement stated that the SIMs issued in the names of deceased persons will be blocked from October 15, 2024.

Meanwhile, the authority directed the citizens interested in transferring such SIMs to their name can process the required documents at the franchise/service center of the concerned SIM provider to avoid any inconvenience.

According to sources within PTA, the authority has received data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the process to block the sims will start on August 16.

The details stated that SIMs registered on the fake and canceled CNICs would be blocked in the first phase, while in the second phase, SIMs registered at expired CNICs to be blocked.

In the third and final phase SIMs registered under CNICs of deceased persons will be blocked, the sources said.

Furthermore, the subscribers have started receiving messages on their SIMs.


ARY News
 
PTA Starts Third Phase of SIM Blocking Operation

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is now entering the third phase of its operation against the illegal use of mobile phone SIM cards.

PTA sources told ProPakistani that now it will permanently close/block all SIMs issued in the names of deceased persons. All SIMs registered in the names of deceased individuals will be blocked if not transferred by October 15.

The regulator has urged to transfer ownership of these SIMs by presenting a valid death certificate to complete the process. Additionally, proof of relationship with the deceased, the original SIM, and proof of the current SIM are also mandatory for the transfer.

According to PTA officials, SIMs issued on expired ID cards prior to 2017 have already been deactivated. Around 70,000 SIMs registered with canceled or fake ID cards have also been blocked to date.


propakistani.pk

PTA Starts Third Phase of SIM Blocking Operation

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is now entering the third phase of its operation against the illegal use of mobile phone SIM cards. PTA
propakistani.pk propakistani.pk
 
FBR withdraws restrictions on bringing multiple mobile phones

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has retracted its earlier notification proposing restrictions on passengers bringing more than one mobile phone from abroad.

The decision came after directives from the FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, who ordered an immediate halt to the implementation of amendments to the Customs Baggage Rules 2006.

This means travellers will continue to be allowed to bring up to two mobile phones under the existing regulations.

The FBR chairman has also instructed the withdrawal of the proposed ban on commercial items exceeding $1,200 in value.

Instead, it has been decided that the rules will be revisited after consultations and resubmitted for approval.


www.geo.tv

FBR withdraws restrictions on bringing multiple mobile phones

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue has retracted its earlier notification proposing restrictions on passengers bringing more than one mobile phone from abroad.The decision came after directives from the FBR Chairman Rashid...
www.geo.tv www.geo.tv
 
PTA blocks large number of unregistered mobile phones in Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday took action against a significant number of unregistered mobile phones, blocking them from being used by consumers.

In a statement, the PTA instructed all consumers to immediately register their mobile phones by paying the necessary taxes. "Consumers must ensure that all required taxes are paid during the mobile phone purchase," the PTA stated, emphasising the importance of compliance.

The PTA also issued a directive regarding the mobile device purchase process, urging users to verify that all applicable taxes have been paid when acquiring a new phone. "Consumers must ensure that the mobile phone is registered through the DIRBS system," the PTA added, highlighting the registration requirement.

The authority warned that within 60 days of using an unregistered device, all applicable taxes and duties must be paid. "Consumers must pay all required taxes only through authorised banking channels," PTA instructed, urging the public to be cautious of individuals claiming to assist with tax payments.

The PTA clarified that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sets the taxes on mobile phones, with the PTA’s role limited to the registration process.


www.samaa.tv

Latest News: PTA blocks large number of unregistered mobile phones in Pakistan

The PTA clarified that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sets the taxes on mobile phones, with the PTA’s role limited to the registration process.
www.samaa.tv www.samaa.tv
 
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