Overseas Pakistanis Can Register Mobile Devices for Temporary Use of Up to 120 Days on Each Visit
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in cooperation with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has launched a significant initiative allowing overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan to register their mobile devices tax-free for up to 120 days during each visit. This move aims to:
- Facilitate seamless mobile connectivity for visitors
- Reduce inconvenience caused by device blocking
- Discourage illegal device smuggling
- Enhance Pakistan’s digital inclusion and security environment[1][3][7][9]
Key Highlights
- Duration: Visitors can use their registered mobile devices in Pakistan for up to 120 days per entry, after which the device’s local network access will be suspended unless re-registered on a subsequent visit[1][2][3][9].
- Frequency: The facility is available on every visit—there is no lifetime limit for eligible individuals, provided they are entering Pakistan on a short-term basis each time[2][7][9].
- Tax Exemption: Registration is completely free and exempts users from all FBR taxes[1][3][7][11].
- Limit: Only one device can be registered per visitor per visit[9][11].
- Eligibility: The facility is available for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals, validated through FIA data against the applicant’s passport and arrival details[5][9].
Registration Process
The Temporary Mobile Registration System is fully digitized and accessible via the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) portal (https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs)[2][4][5][9].
To register:
- Sign Up on DIRBS: Create an account by providing credentials including passport number, arrival date, intended date of departure, SIM details, and device IMEI number[5][9][11].
- Apply for Temporary Registration: Select “Temporary Registration for Overseas Pakistani” or the relevant category, then submit the device’s IMEI for validation.
- Approval & Activation: Upon successful validation with FIA’s IBMS and mobile operator records, registration is granted for 120 days from your arrival[5][9][11].
- Device Suspension: After 120 days, device access to local networks is automatically suspended. To use the same or another device on a subsequent visit, repeat the registration process[9][5].
Purpose and Benefits
- Uninterrupted Communication: Ensures continuous, hassle-free use of personal devices while in Pakistan[3][4].
- Convenience: No taxes, no paperwork, all digital and user-friendly[4][5].
- Security: Strengthens verified usage and helps prevent device smuggling[1][7].
- Positive International Image: Demonstrates Pakistan’s focus on visitor facilitation and digital innovation[2][7][9].
Important Notes
- The system is intended for short-term visitors who do not plan to permanently keep or sell their devices in Pakistan; those wishing to regularize a device for long-term local use will still need to pay applicable duties.
- If a registered device is transferred (sold/gifted) to another person in Pakistan, the new user will need to properly register the device through PTA to keep using it after the 120-day window[5].
This initiative exemplifies Pakistan’s drive to provide robust, streamlined solutions for the Pakistani diaspora and international visitors, supporting easier travel and business while maintaining regulatory standards[1][3][7][9].
Sources
[1] Overseas Pakistanis offered 120-day tax-free mobile registration … https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370746
[2] Overseas Pakistanis welcome PTA initiative to register mobile … https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/174274/nation/overseas-pakistanis-welcome-pta-initiative-to-register-mobile-devices-for-120-days
[3] PTA introduces tax-free mobile registration for overseas Pakistanis https://tribune.com.pk/story/2553827/pta-introduces-tax-free-mobile-registration-for-overseas-pakistanis
[4] Visiting Pakistan? Enjoy free mobile registration for tourists and overseas Pakistanis https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/visiting-pakistan-free-mobile-phone-registration-for-tourists-and-overseas-pakistanis-1.500107037
[5] FAQs – Dirbs – PTA https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/faqs.html
[6] Overseas Pakistanis Can Register Mobile Devices for … – PTA https://www.pta.gov.pk/category/overseas-pakistanis-can-register-mobile-devices-for-temporary-use-of-up-to-120-days-178668887-2025-04-28
[7] Overseas Pakistanis now eligible for 120-day tax-free mobile … https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/07/03/overseas-pakistanis-now-eligible-for-120-day-tax-free-mobile-registration/
[8] Pakistan Launches Free Mobile Registration System for … https://mobileidworld.com/pakistan-launches-free-mobile-registration-system-for-international-visitors/
[9] Temporary mobile registration system launched for expats https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/07/04/temporary-mobile-registration-system-launched-for-expats/
[10] Visiting overseas Pakistanis can register phones for 120 days: PTA https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1305136-visiting-overseas-pakistanis-can-register-phones-for-120-days-pta
[11] Overseas Pakistanis Allowed Tax-Free Mobile Registration, With a … https://propakistani.pk/2025/07/02/overseas-pakistanis-allowed-tax-free-mobile-registration-but-theres-a-limit/
[12] Press Release https://www.pta.gov.pk/en/media-center/single-media/new-mechanism-to-allow-temporary-registration-of-overseas-pakistanis-mobile-devices-launching-soon-080322
[13] New Mechanism to Allow ‘Temporary Registration’ of Overseas Pakistanis’ Mobile Devices Launching Soon https://www.pta.gov.pk/category/new-mechanism-to-allow-temporary-registration-of-overseas-pakistanis-mobile-devices-launching-soon-1211275131-2023-06-01
[14] Overseas Pakistanis can register mobile devices for temporary use of up to 120 days https://www.app.com.pk/national/overseas-pakistanis-can-register-mobile-devices-for-temporary-use-of-up-to-120-days/
[15] PTA allows 120-day mobile registration for visiting overseas Pakistanis https://www.geo.tv/latest/601810-overseas-pakistanis-can-register-mobile-devices-for-temporary-use-of-up-to-120-days
