The federal government has approved a new facility for paying PTA tax on imported smartphones in installments. The decision was included in the Finance Bill 2026–27, which has now been passed by the National Assembly.
The new step is expected to provide relief to people importing mobile phones into Pakistan. Many users have raised concerns over the high PTA tax charged on smartphones.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the Finance Bill 2026–27 in the National Assembly. During the session, lawmakers approved the bill along with this new tax payment facility.
Under the approved law, people who need to pay PTA tax through the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) can now choose installment payments. This facility will apply to both new and used imported smartphones.
According to the bill, all installments must be cleared before the end of the same financial year in which the mobile phone was imported.
Officials said the new system will officially begin on July 1. This means smartphone users will be able to register their imported devices under the updated process from the start of the new fiscal year.
The move is seen as a major relief for users who often struggle with high one-time tax payments. It may also help reduce the use of unregistered devices in the country.
During his speech, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also defended the government’s economic figures. He rejected concerns raised by some lawmakers about Pakistan’s GDP calculations.
He said the country’s national accounts are prepared using global standards. He added that there has been no change in the method used for calculating GDP, per capita income, or other economic indicators.
While wrapping up the budget debate, Aurangzeb said the government had introduced a balanced budget focused on growth and economic stability.
He stressed the need for national unity to maintain economic recovery and continue reforms in the coming year.
In other news read more about PTA Tax Relief Demand Gains Attention as MNA Plans Budget Amendment
The new installment option for PTA tax is likely to make smartphone imports easier and more affordable for many Pakistanis.
