FBR allows installments for imported mobile phone taxes

Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allowed consumers to pay sales tax on imported mobile phones in installments providing relief to people purchasing expensive smartphones or bringing phones from abroad for personal use.

According to a new circular issued by the FBR on September 11, 2026, consumers will be able to pay mobile phone taxes in installments through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) DIRBS system.

Under the new procedure, consumers will not have to pay the entire amount of Rs100,000 to Rs250,000 in one go. However, the full tax must be paid by the end of the financial year.

Monthly payments to range from Rs8,000 to Rs17,000

Officials said the installment facility would reduce the monthly financial burden on consumers and make registration of expensive mobile phones easier.

Government officials said the move aims to make tax payments easier, discourage the use of unregistered and smuggled mobile phones and protect government revenues.

Qasim Gilani’s efforts

Qasim Gilani, Member of the National Assembly from NA-148 Multan said he had raised the issue of the heavy one-time tax on imported smartphones during a meeting of the relevant National Assembly committee. According to Gilani, the relief for smartphone users was achieved after nearly two years of efforts.

Parliamentary sources said Gilani had highlighted the financial difficulties faced by students, professionals and Pakistanis bringing mobile phones from abroad for personal use.

Payment through DIRBS

Under the new system, registration of imported mobile phones and tax payments will be processed through DIRBS. Consumers are expected to be given an installment option during the registration process.

Experts believe the facility could increase the number of mobile phones registered through DIRBS, reduce the informal market and improve FBR tax collections.

However, issues related to non-payment of installments and failure to complete the tax payment including matters related to the resale of mobile phones will remain important.

Immediate implementation

According to FBR officials, the installment facility will be implemented immediately through the DIRBS system. Qasim Gilani described the move as a step toward digital inclusion and said he would continue efforts to make mobile phone taxes more reasonable in the future.