Big relief for iPhone users as govt announces reduction in PTA tax

Islamabad (Web Desk): The government has reduced the customs value on used smartphones, resulting in a significant reduction in the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) tax on expensive mobile phones, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

According to sources, PTA taxes are determined based on customs value, sales tax, and mobile levy. Since the government has lowered the customs value for used phones, the overall cost of mobile phone registration has also decreased.

Under the newly set customs values, the PTA tax for registering an iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max through a passport is now set at Rs55,000. For registration through a national identity card, the tax will be Rs70,000

This reduction is a significant change compared to previous tax rates, which were much higher. Consumers had been facing difficulties due to the heavy taxes on these models for a long time.

Experts believe this decision will benefit not only regular consumers but also boost activity in the local mobile market. It is expected to encourage legal mobile phone registrations, reducing the use of smuggled or unregistered phones.

Following the government's move, the prices of smartphones in Pakistan have become closer to international market rates, marking a positive step toward the promotion of digital services.