Islamabad: In a major relief for smartphone users, the government has reduced the customs value of used mobile phones, leading to a significant cut in PTA taxes on high-end devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
According to official sources, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) calculates mobile registration taxes based on customs value, sales tax, and mobile levy. With the reduction in customs value for used phones, the overall cost of mobile phone registration has also declined.
Under the revised rates, the PTA tax for registering an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max through a passport has been set at Rs55,000, while registration through a CNIC will cost Rs70,000.
This marks a substantial reduction compared to previous tax rates, which were significantly higher and had caused widespread concern among consumers.
Experts believe the move will benefit ordinary users and boost activity in the local mobile phone market. It is also expected to encourage legal registration of devices and reduce the use of smuggled or unregistered phones.
Following the government’s decision, smartphone prices in Pakistan have moved closer to global market rates — a step being seen as positive for digital inclusion and improved access to technology.