A misleading notification claiming a reduction in mobile phone taxes is currently circulating across social media platforms, causing confusion among mobile phone importers, retailers, and consumers in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has firmly denied issuing any such directive, calling the notification completely fake and baseless.
According to PTA, the viral message falsely suggests that the government has reduced mobile-related taxes and provides so-called instructions for mobile phone importers and the general public. However, no official policy change, tax reduction, or new guideline has been announced by PTA or any relevant government authority. The regulator has clarified that the information being shared online has no connection to PTA and should be treated as misinformation.
The spread of such fake notifications has raised concerns, especially at a time when mobile phone taxes, device registration through DIRBS, and import duties remain key topics for consumers and businesses alike. Industry stakeholders often rely on official updates to make pricing and import decisions, and false claims can lead to financial losses as well as public confusion.
PTA has urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing unverified content on social media. The authority emphasized that all official announcements, policy updates, and tax-related information are published exclusively on PTA’s official website and its verified social media channels. Any message or notification not appearing on these platforms should be considered unreliable.
Consumers were also advised to double-check information before acting on it, particularly when it involves financial matters such as taxes, duties, or mobile phone registration. Acting on false information may result in unnecessary payments, incorrect assumptions about device costs, or complications during phone imports.
This is not the first time misleading messages related to mobile taxes and PTA regulations have surfaced online. In recent years, several fake notifications and screenshots have gone viral, prompting repeated clarifications from authorities. PTA has reiterated its commitment to transparency and timely communication, encouraging the public to rely only on authentic sources.
In conclusion, there is no reduction in mobile taxes, nor has PTA issued any new instructions for importers or consumers. The public is strongly advised to ignore the fake notification and stay informed through PTA’s official channels to avoid falling victim to misinformation.