State minister tweets 'mobile tax policy' for foreign visitors

E-Paper | May 02, 2026

State minister tweets 'mobile tax policy' for foreign visitors

Dawn.com Published December 11, 2018

Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar says foreign visitors will be able to register one handset without having to pay duty charges. — File photo

Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar on Tuesday announced the 'mobile tax policy' for foreign visitors after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) released details of duties imposed on imported handsets.

In a series of tweets, Azhar said that people flying into Pakistan will be allowed to register one handset without having to pay duty charges. Furthermore, foreign visitors will not have to register or pay duty charges on mobile devices that fulfil the following conditions:

Cellphones that use a roaming network
Will be used in Pakistan for less than 30 days
Phones that have been used in Pakistan before Dec 1, 2018

Visitors can pay duty charges and register their handsets at the airports or in any custom house across the country, Azhar said. He also clarified that mobile phones will not be confiscated during the process of registration.

In order to curb illegal imports of handsets, the FBR and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have laid out new procedures for regularisation of unregistered mobile devices.

Users of illegally imported mobile devices have until Dec 31 to get their phones regularised with the PTA, without having to pay penalty charges. The body also clarified that after the deadline of Dec 31, no option would be available to regularise illegal mobile devices. All such devices will be liable for seizure/outright confiscation. In addition, all such devices will be permanently blocked through Devices Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) by the PTA.

The customs procedures for imports of non-commercial mobile phones will be implemented through customs notification SRO1455 of 2018 and Customs General Order 06 of 2018 issued on Nov 30.

Import through couriers

The FBR has also notified new procedures for import of unregistered mobile devices by individuals through postal service or courier for personal use or gift.

The customs authorities will detain such imported phones and then issue a stamped declaration form to the applicant, who will have to apply for certification of compliance (CoC) via PTA portal by submitting documents.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

FBR recommends new taxes to bridge shortfall

Regulatory duty to be introduced for unregistered mobile phones

Pakistan blocks sale of mobile phones without PTA approval

Afzal khan

Dec 11, 2018 03:55pm

PTI govt is about petty things. No country puts such restrictions on visitors. Communication is most important thing. Any charges like all countries should be built in cost of SIM sold at Sirports or to visitors. Smuggling of phones has to be tackled differently and any new phone entering system may be blocked 30 days after it appears on your radar.

Recommend 0

Arif

Dec 11, 2018 03:58pm

Why not to register all the shops selling cellphones and other electronics? Moreover, you also need to protect customers in case of issues if you make them pay taxes. What about stolen phones? Will you recover them after getting tax from users?

Recommend 0

Irfan

Dec 11, 2018 04:02pm

Instead to capture the culprit who bring big quantities definitely with the help of someone. This government again make problem to common people. Do not forget that these overseas Pakistani have given billions for the Dam fund. Instead to clean the system common people will be suffer in this Government.

Recommend 0

Omer

Dec 11, 2018 04:18pm

A wide new road for customs officials to do corruption!!

Recommend 0

Dec 11, 2018 04:36pm

Is this Tweet Acceptable to custom authorities in Pakistan. It needs to be clearly mentioned near immigration counters in Urdu and English so that many travelers ( Specially labour class) are not victimized by custom authorities

Recommend 0

Ahmad

Dec 11, 2018 04:37pm

Best News so far... Heard about few persons who travels from Karachi to Dubai on daily basis, buy substandard (without warranty) phones from cheap markets, avoid duty taxes by using links in Pakistan Airport and sells them on higher prices. Users suffered a lot by paying high prices for substandard phones.

Recommend 0

farooq

Dec 11, 2018 04:50pm

Childish and funny initiatives......

Recommend 0

imran

Dec 11, 2018 05:09pm

What a headache for people to make few dollars. First headache to get a visitor’s visa then register phones for only 30 days. Better pick another visitor friendly country.

Recommend 0

Shahid

Dec 11, 2018 05:16pm

This government is trying to make life miserable for us who travel home to Pakistan. I am just worried that my phone has all my business data and hundreds og business contacts in it, and we very well know from our experiences that how the custom authorities are going to use these new directives.

Recommend 0

Danish

Dec 11, 2018 05:23pm

Very good clever way to make money for custums Instead of making life simple for overseas or foreign visitors making journey complicated . Who will visit Pakistan as a tourist with lengthy procedure.

Recommend 0

Dec 11, 2018 05:44pm

I have travelled a lot and have never found this policy anywhere. Have these people gone crazay?

Recommend 0

Shahid

Dec 11, 2018 05:45pm

Mr. minister, I travel to Pakistan and visit my parents every 2 years and each time I stay for about two months. I carry two telephone sets, one for business matters and the other with my private contacts.Both the phones are bought in Europe and local custom duty and VAT is paid on this purchase. And now you want me to pay som tax on carrying one of these phones while these sets are not going to stay in Pakistan but will return with me. Why would you make these unjust rules to make things miserable for us living abroad. Is this what PTI promise us?

Recommend 0

Zak

Dec 11, 2018 05:49pm

This is bad policy. It will effect foreign investors and many overseas Pakistanis coming home on leave. Stop dissuading people coming to pakistsn. Mobile are literrally the third hand.

Recommend 0

Khurshid Qureshi

Dec 11, 2018 06:06pm

Give me one more reason for not to visit Pakistan. I travel around the world and no country asks about cell phones.

Recommend 0

Raza Ali

Dec 11, 2018 06:09pm

Khan sahib your advisors are making a fool out of you. Now no overseas pakistani will give any funds for Dam and we will try our best not to send a single dollar to Pakistan when people like hamad azhar are in your cabinet

Recommend 0

Pro Bono Publico

Dec 11, 2018 06:10pm

PTI Govt is falling far short of the expectations of people who voted them into power with Penny wise pound foolish approach. It is not unusual for an Pakistani traveler to have two phones - one phone that he has been using in the country from where he is coming to Pakistan and one phone that he uses in Pakistan with local SIM. Can you imagine the kind of botheration and waste of time this new law will cause? Govt should mobilize its resources to prevent smuggling of cell phones if it was to raise revenues.

Recommend 0

Imran Siddique

Dec 11, 2018 06:59pm

Well people that PTI will be assisting the expats and foreign "visitors". The first thing they are doing is confiscating their phones. No country in world do that to their visitors. Go after the smugglers, not the expats or the visitors.

Recommend 0

Patriotic 786

Dec 11, 2018 07:07pm

By restricting and creating such barriers in the use of most essential and basic tool of the trade, which is mobile phone, it will be making the life difficult for visitors and will further curtail already very small tourist industry in the country.

Recommend 0

Farhan

Dec 11, 2018 07:27pm

It is going to create misery for overseas Pakistanis especially labour class who will be exploited by customs officials.

Recommend 0

Kash

Dec 11, 2018 07:45pm

@Shahid, i suppose so, but you ok if going for under 30 days

Recommend 0

Farland

Dec 11, 2018 07:48pm

Why should I pay taxes to my second used phone while traveling to Pakistan more than 30 days. This is ludicrous.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Dec 11, 2018 07:50pm

Stupid decision, not even worth commenting.

Recommend 0

saksci

Dec 11, 2018 07:51pm

PTI is going in business with custom authority to collect bribe at airport back to normal.

Recommend 0

tariq

Dec 11, 2018 08:12pm

@Afzal khan, Why not tax all the kids visitors brought too? have one kid exemption only that would help your economy and we would happily live overseas.

Recommend 0

Bemused

Dec 11, 2018 08:22pm

I am travelling abroad and wish to ask the Ministwr if I can buy a trouser and an under garment, considering there are two old of each already in my bag? Can I register them at the airport because I will be travelling again in 30 days this time? May I suggest that to save him the trouble to answer each such email the FBR posts responses to similar FAQs

Recommend 0

Syed Rahman

Dec 11, 2018 08:47pm

I always carried 2 cell phones in Pakistan. One for use in Pak and other is my US phone I am amazed at this stupidity; IK is saying he will make things easier for OSPs and this law will require you to register your cell phone at the airport and must be roaming as well. Are we not aboe to use local SIMS. Is this making our visit easier or thinking again; if one should visit now or wait until this stupid law goes away Poor Khan Sahab may have to review everything before it is made into a law

Recommend 0

Philosopher (from Japan)

Dec 11, 2018 08:53pm

In Japan, visitor won’t be charged GST and VAT by showing their passport or travel documents at each n every shopping outlet.

Recommend 0

Zafar Ali

Dec 11, 2018 09:29pm

It is not about Tax it is about controlling social media and making sure whoever is using social media and posting on internet are monitored. This is to please Khakis and give them complete control of social media control. Gov will make peanuts through this and it a larger game to help Khakis to control. There are many ways to control tax on multiple phones but without IMIE number social media control is not possible hence this pathetic way to control social media.

Recommend 0

Fuad

Dec 11, 2018 09:41pm

I know folks who were paying for their entire trips abroad by bringing non-duty phones. Essentially they want to make sure any phone, which is being used in Pakistan has paid taxes. You won't be able to turn on a phone which is not registered with PTA. When I come to Pakistan, I have two phones on me. Personal and work but I don't stay more than a month, I don't see any issues with it. We want the country to progress but not willing to go through any inconvenience.

Recommend 0

wahab Khattak

Dec 11, 2018 09:43pm

Give me good reason to come to Pakistan. Why shouldn't I go to Italy or Switzerland with same ticket cost. Pakistan Government have the highest taxes on airline fares and this headache on top of this. Thanks Khan Saab for giving us reason not to come to Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Hafeez

Dec 11, 2018 10:00pm

@Afzal khan, Read before commenting. If you have overseas phone with roaming on or visit is 30 days or less it will be allowed free. Most of the time we keep roaming on.

Recommend 0

Shah

Dec 11, 2018 10:05pm

@imran, read before commenting for phone with roaming on or visitors upto 30 days they dont have do anything. However You are free to choose any country for visit.

Recommend 0

Shah

Dec 11, 2018 10:07pm

@Imran Siddique, Read before commenting. Visitors upto 30 days are fee to bring in phones.

Recommend 0

Suchbaath

Dec 11, 2018 10:21pm

Sounds like penny wise pound foolish policy. Any foreigner or Pakistani coming to Pakistan has his own SIM of his country mobile service. If he wants to buy Pakistani SIM at that time using his foreign passport or foreign SIM waived the tax, so he doesn’t. Go through the Hassle at the airport. Don’t need to limit 30 days, as wives or kids comes for 2-3 months for summer break, or foreign students. Put more brains to make policies NOT the politicians who makes U-Turns

Recommend 0

Najeeb Khan

Dec 11, 2018 10:26pm

I agree that this a petty way of trying to stop smuggling of commercial quantities of mobile handsets. The Government should focus on areas that are being used to import large quantities of handsets rather than on individuals who have a legitimate use of more than one handset while visiting Pakistan. I use two sets myself while visiting Pakistan. One for use while in my country of residence outside Pakistan, and one while I am in Pakistan. There are two issues using my overseas sets in Pakistan: the first is of exorbitant roaming charges and the second is that some sets do not work in Pakistan at all. If I bring with me only one set that works in Pakistan, then I am without a phone when I return to my country of residence and want to communicate with people who are planning to receive me at the airport. I think this whole idea is a bad one and should be dropped, otherwise it will only add to the hassle of traveling which is already quite stressful due to security checks and long flight duration specially while flying from America or Canada.

Recommend 0

Dec 11, 2018 10:39pm

I like the policy. People in Pakistan are just not used to paying duties. Anyway I hope it gets the money govt is looking to raise. I'm all for it.

Recommend 0

Tufal Khan

Dec 11, 2018 11:07pm

This is a joke .

Recommend 0

Mian Shoaib

Dec 11, 2018 11:25pm

@Hafeez, dear not every one uses roaming service. If I have to visit Pakistan, I have to Pay 12 dollar per day roaming. Instead, I will use whats app etc.So give some other justification please

Recommend 0

Usman

Dec 11, 2018 11:26pm

Good move by the govt. Nice to see action being taken.

Recommend 0

Imran

Dec 12, 2018 12:05am

This policy is petty .... the Pakistan diaspora supports the country through remittances and projecting the country. Let them bring as many phones they wish to bring ... they will generate revenue through use ... PTI should think big

Recommend 0

Usman

Dec 12, 2018 12:09am

I have been living abroad for a while and travelled in many countries due to work requirements. My stay in countries abroad lasted from a few weeks to months but I never had any issue/requirement to register my phone. This new policy for Pakistan is insane and a big mess for overseas Pakistanis who visit their families and will now have to suffer if their stay is over a month. PTA as a regulator never fails to disappoint us on flawed policy making. Being associated with Telecom sector for > 10 years, I must say that this policy needs a review and a debate in assembly to have a collective wisdom. Or at least, consult overseas Pakistani foundation. We overseas Pakistanis don't deserve to be treated like this on our vacations.

Recommend 0

Abdel Rahman

Dec 12, 2018 01:35am

Very unwise step, in my view.

Recommend 0

Abdel Rahman

Dec 12, 2018 01:36am

@Arif, this idea makes more sense. Onus should be on sellers and shops. Already, they are the ones violating the laws and carrying out illegal business.

Recommend 0

fas

Dec 12, 2018 01:56am

How much revenue will you get from this ? Another way to bother vistors who spend thousands dollors to visit their family.

Recommend 0

Really Lost

Dec 12, 2018 03:50am

How many mobile phones can minister stop with this measure? 100? 1000? 10000? This also requires extra staff on the airport to ensure that no has extra phones. Net gain --> Loss for Pakistanis by employing more people to fulfill incredible idea of the minister. Not to mention the hassle for all incoming Pakistanis. Instead of putting taxes on mobiles and bothering all the visitors to Pakistan, perhaps minister could think of taxing all the arms (guns in public domain). yes there is the licence fee but why not to put taxes on it too. Other option is to widen the tax network, which IMF asks for, world bank asks for and all the other lenders who Pakistan has to beg every few years. Extra option is to tax second property. Primary is for living and on secondary you should pay taxes. There are plenty of ways but minister has to follow the petty ways to show progress, which isn't really progress. There are so many ways but don't know who is advising our ministers.

Recommend 0

Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Dec 12, 2018 05:57am

No curb on illegal import/smuggling of “honey”, drugs, weapons, diesel and petrol from Iran, because this is conveniently done by domestic Pakistanis, and all beneficiaries of this smuggling are corrupt elements of domestic Pakistanis. Shame on PTI as this is very same Overseas Pakistanis who have been donating millions and millions for your election campaign, cancer hospital, dams and what not and now these are the people who have to pay extra tax on mobile phones. Not a single country in the world have this mobile phone tax. Change have arrived indeed.

Recommend 0

Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Dec 12, 2018 06:01am

First sign of bad governance and totally failed system. Skin these overseas Pakistanis as much as you can, as these are very same people who have been contributing $20 billion a year to your national (bankrupt) economy.

Recommend 0

Salman Jan

Dec 12, 2018 07:30am

Why thy don't go after big landlords and industrialist who have always evaded taxes or import duties. This is another approach targeting a common person. It appears with this rule that there is no duty on commercial import of phone, which will once again result in big corporation getting even richer, and causing burden ONLY on the middle class

Recommend 0

Salman Jan

Dec 12, 2018 07:32am

@Najeeb Khan, Totally agree with you

Recommend 0

Waqar Ahmed

Dec 12, 2018 07:34am

What a dumb move. Expats visit hindered. Don’t the expats buy sim? Extremely stupid and ridiculous. Get your act straight.

Recommend 0

Salman Jan

Dec 12, 2018 07:35am

This policy discourages foriegner from bringing phone to PK. As a result the govt is loosing on foreigner buying local phone plans while in PK. This will result in loss of revenue by PTC. Penny wise and pound foolish approach by the Govt.

Recommend 0

Abs Uk

Dec 12, 2018 07:47am

Making life more and more difficult for overseas Pakistanis, I was under the illusion for once things will become simpler and easier for overseas Pakistanis but PTI has done one more U turn well done Khan sahab.

Recommend 0

Abs Uk

Dec 12, 2018 07:53am

@HC, you are all for what?? I paid tax and duty on my phone in UK where I live so why I need to pay duty and tax on same phone again? No other country in the world do that to their visitors.

Recommend 0

Silent

Dec 12, 2018 09:36am

PTI Govt. should not forget these country run by remittances made by overseas Pakistanis, We donated billions for Dam and other causes. When you need help IK appear on TV and ask us for help. What are you giving back to Overseas Pakistanis taxes, taxes and taxes. This govt. run by bunch of unprofessional and inexperience people. Who know nothing about state affairs. Very disappointed with IK and his comrades.

Recommend 0

Love Your Country

Dec 12, 2018 10:53am

Pakistan welcomes overseas Pakistanis!!

Recommend 0

Nadiakhan

Dec 12, 2018 12:28pm

Almost all overseas pakistanies has more then 2 or 3 mobile in use.one for international sim 2nd for pakistani sim and one for internat use. You peoples allowed only one mobile so where we will throw our other mobile or tablets. I request PTI govt that we overseas pakistanies ware the big supporter for PTI and still. please dont create probleum for us.

Recommend 0

Nadiakhan

Dec 12, 2018 12:37pm

Almost all overseas has more then 2 phone or one tablet. One for pakistani sim with international rooming one for international sim and tablet for internet. Now tell me one thing you allowed just one phone where we will through our other phone. Some people has 2 mobile becz one phone internal memorry is not enough for their file and pictures. We overseas were the big supporter of PTI govt and we want to be in future also. But its my humble request please dont make probleum for us . And allow atleast 3 used mobile during enterance pakistan.

Recommend 0

Khanm

Dec 12, 2018 04:38pm

@Afzal khan, what PTI has become Penny snatcher.. how would you justify double taxing.. when I buy an unblock cell I pay the taxes on and pay it again when I come to my own country.. what a welcome.. we sustain the country for not generating any foreign exchange and we are penalized to come and visit..i guess time to go else where for vaccation..

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 09:48am

@Afzal khan, Mr. Afzal khan, Correct. It seems the prime minister Mr. Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi has some incompetent and inexperienced advisors and ministers. Alas.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 09:49am

@Irfan, Mr. Irfan, You are right. I second you.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 09:50am

@Omer, Mr. Omer, You mentioned truth.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 09:52am

@A, Mr. A, Not crazy. Either incompetent or corrupt.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 09:56am

@Raza Ali, Mr. Raza Ali, The beginning of PTI-government is questionable, unfortunately.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 10:01am

@Fuad, Mr. Fuad, I want to stay more than 30 days and then. I am not against PTI but creating problems to the people is not a good sign for the government.

Recommend 0

AZAM AKBAR

Dec 13, 2018 10:05am

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne, Mr. Dr Ahmad - Melbourne, Mr. Prime Minister Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi should remove such advisors and ministers who create problems to the people.

Recommend 0

Amina Mahfooz

Dec 13, 2018 12:07pm

There is a news of Import through couriers on Dawn blog on today's date. The import of any item can be done by individual or by registered importers in Pakistan. The airport authorities are responsible for the receiving of luggage in the form of bundles, cartons or packets, loading in the aircrafts, safe landing and hand over to the desired person. The custom authorities charge for it. The whole procedure comes under the Cargo department at the airports. Cargo is a service rental depatment that transfer luggage from one station to other by air, by train or by road against the fee depending upon the weight of the luggage and the distance covered. Whereas the courier service provide the facilities to provide your luggage at your deoostep. Does Pakistan airport hire any courier service to drop the importers items either individual or a registered importer at the door step

Recommend 0

Tasib

Dec 13, 2018 01:45pm

Khan sahib and cheif justice sahib is this the best you lot have planned for overseas pakistanies ?? To be hones i was hopefull... Now im not sure?????

Recommend 0

A Razzak

Dec 13, 2018 02:19pm

Agree with the policy, right steps towards curbing smuggled phones. Mobile shop business to get registered also. Phones should not be allowed selling from illegal /unregistered businesses

Recommend 0

A Razzak

Dec 13, 2018 02:19pm

@AZAM AKBAR, why you think it’s a prob- overseas pk are allowed 01 free of duty

Recommend 0

Ali

Dec 13, 2018 07:57pm

They are just making the life of an overseas more difficult. I used to carry 2-3 phones with me every time I visit Pakistan. One prime number from foreign country and one prime number for Pakistan must work all the time there. Plus if battery goes off during flight delays etc then a spare phone helps you a lot. Overseas are not selling phones or giving dozens of phones as gifts all the time. But a gift is supposed to be tax free as it is all over the word. These idiots never analysed different aspects of the issue and just imposed tax. In this case I would recommend them to have a U-turn ASAP.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expands climate action with one Million Tree Drive and forest reforms

The province is turning policy into action through a series of large scale programmes aimed at rebuilding ecosystems and improving resilience against rising climate pressures.

Taptap Send, Arshad Nadeem partner to highlight Pakistan’s unsung champions

The initiative comes at a time when cricket continues to dominate national attention, often overshadowing achievements in other sports.

NexGen Auto (Nishat Group) to Introduce iCAUR in Pakistan

As one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, Nishat Group operates across key sectors including textiles, cement, banking, insurance, power and agriculture.