Regulator says only the FBR has authority to assess and collect taxes on imported mobile phones
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday rejected a fake notification circulating on social media that falsely claims taxes on imported mobile phones can now be paid in instalments.
In an official statement, the PTA clarified that it has not issued any such notification or directive, describing the circulating document as false and misleading.
PTA Clarifies Role in Mobile Phone Taxes
The telecom regulator emphasised that the assessment, levy and collection of taxes and duties on mobile devices fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The PTA said it has no authority to determine, announce or collect taxes on imported mobile phones. Its role is limited to the registration and compliance management of mobile devices through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
Only DIRBS Advisory Recently Issued
The authority noted that the only recent public advisory issued by the PTA related to scheduled maintenance of the DIRBS, during which some services could remain temporarily unavailable.
It stressed that no notification regarding an instalment facility for mobile phone taxes had been issued by the regulator.
Public Urged to Verify Information
The PTA advised the public not to rely on or share unverified information circulating on social media.
It urged citizens to obtain authentic updates only through the PTA’s official website and verified social media channels.
The clarification follows the circulation of misleading claims suggesting that the PTA had introduced an instalment-based payment facility for taxes on imported mobile phones.
The regulator reiterated that any announcements regarding mobile device taxes are made solely by the Federal Board of Revenue and not by the PTA.