If you’ve recently purchased a non-PTA approved phone in Pakistan, you might be wondering how to register it with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). Instead of waiting in long bank queues, you can complete the process from home within 2 to 48 hours. This guide will walk you through the entire process of paying PTA tax and getting your phone registered.

Who Needs to Pay PTA Tax?

Before you proceed, it’s important to understand whether your phone requires PTA approval:

Newly Purchased Non-PTA Phone – If the phone is not yet registered and has never been used in Pakistan, you must register it within 60 days of first use.

Used Non-PTA Phone – If you bought a second-hand non-PTA phone and its 60-day period has expired, you need to immediately register it; otherwise, your phone won’t receive network signals.

Overseas Visitors – If you are a visitor in Pakistan, you do not need to register your phone. Overseas Pakistanis can use their foreign phones free of cost for up to 4 months every time they visit Pakistan.

PTA Tax Rates for Different Phones

The PTA tax varies based on whether you register using a passport or CNIC. The tax remains the same for all storage variants (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB).

iPhone PTA Tax (2025):

• With Passport: Lower tax amount
• With CNIC: Higher tax amount

Samsung PTA Tax (2025):

• Similar price difference based on passport vs CNIC registration

Tip: If you have a valid passport, use it for registration to get a 20% discount on the PTA tax.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pay PTA Tax & Register Your Phone

Step 1: Get Your IMEI Numbers

Every phone has a unique IMEI number (one for a single SIM phone, two for a dual SIM phone). To find yours:
Dial *#06# on your phone, and note down the IMEI number(s).

Step 2: Register via SMS

To begin the PTA registration, send an SMS from another phone (with an active SIM).

1. Dial *8484# from any other phone.
2. Select Option 1 and Reply.
3. Choose your region (Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan).
4. If registering within 30 days of arrival in Pakistan, select passport registration for a 20% tax discount. Otherwise, choose CNIC registration.
5. Enter your CNIC number (or Passport number if applicable).
6. Select if your phone has one SIM slot or two.
7. Enter the IMEI number(s) of your phone.

Confirmation Messages
Once you complete the steps, you will receive multiple SMS notifications with:

• PTA tax amount
• PSID code (Payment Slip ID)
• Phone details (model, IMEI numbers, etc.)

Step 3: Pay PTA Tax via JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or Bank App

You can now pay your PTA tax using any digital payment method.

1. Open JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or your banking app.
2. Go to Government Payments and select FBR (Federal Board of Revenue).
3. Enter the PSID Code (received via SMS).
4. The exact tax amount will be displayed.
5. Click Next and complete the payment.

Your PTA tax payment is now submitted!

Step 4: Wait for PTA Approval

Once you’ve paid the tax, your phone will be registered within 2 to 48 hours. You’ll receive a final SMS confirmation stating:

• Custom duty paid
• Phone registration approved
• IMEI numbers activated

If you don’t receive confirmation within 48 hours, contact PTA support.

How to Check If Your Phone is PTA Approved?

To verify your phone’s PTA approval status:

1. Dial *8484# and follow the prompts.
2. Visit the DIRBS PTA website and enter your IMEI number:
   https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
3. You will see one of the following results:
   • Approved – Your phone is fully registered with PTA.
   • Not Approved – You need to pay the PTA tax.

Alternative Method: Registering Through the PTA Website

If you prefer to register online, follow these steps:

1. Visit PTA’s official website for mobile registration.
2. Click on Mobile Phone Registration and Sign Up (if you don’t have an account).
3. Sign In and agree to the terms.
4. Select “Temporary Registration for Overseas Pakistanis” if you’re an expat.
5. Enter your CNIC, passport number, arrival date, and expected departure date.
6. Select if your phone is single-SIM or dual-SIM.
7. Submit your details, and your phone should get PTA approval within 2-48 hours.

If you register as an overseas visitor, you do not have to pay any PTA tax.

Important Points to Remember

You can use a non-PTA phone for up to 60 days without registration.
Overseas Pakistanis can use their phones for free for 4 months.
PTA approval is mandatory after 60 days to continue using mobile networks.
Registering with a passport saves you 20% on PTA tax.
Use JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or bank apps for quick PTA tax payments.

Final Thoughts

Registering your phone with PTA is necessary if you plan to use it in Pakistan long-term. If you’re a visitor staying less than 4 months, you don’t need to register.

Tip: If your phone’s PTA tax is too high, consider selling it and buying a PTA-approved phone instead. This may save you money in the long run.

Conclusion

With this step-by-step guide, you can now register your phone with PTA from home in just a few minutes. Whether you use JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or a banking app, the process is simple, and your phone gets approved within 48 hours.

If this guide helped you, share it with friends who need to register their phones in Pakistan.

FAQs About PTA Mobile Registration

How long does PTA approval take?
2 to 48 hours after tax payment.

Can I use my phone without PTA approval?
Yes, but only for 60 days. After that, you must register it.

What happens if I don’t pay the PTA tax?
Your SIM signals will be blocked, and you won’t be able to use mobile networks.

Is there a way to avoid the PTA tax?
If you’re an overseas Pakistani, you get 4 months of free use every time you visit.