Are PTA approval charges for smartphones set to be reduced?

Rumours about possible reductions in mobile phone approval charges have gained momentum on social media, with many social media accounts claiming that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority may ease the costs attached to registering devices.

Shopkeepers in major cities are also hinting that taxes on premium phones, which can go as high as Rs220,000, might be brought down in the coming weeks.

So far, no official statement has been issued and there is no confirmed report that any tax cut is under consideration.

Even with no clear signal from the government, the discussion has sparked new interest because it touches on a long-standing concern. High taxes have pushed many buyers towards illegally approved or unregistered phones.

These include JV iPhones, cloned IMEI devices, CPID models and patched smartphones that are usually sold at far cheaper prices. Markets in cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Sialkot still see this activity. Although the sale of these devices is less open than before, it has not ended.

Many believe that any reduction in PTA approval charges would steer users back to legal options. Since a phone must be PTA approved to run SIM services in Pakistan, lower charges could encourage more people to get their devices registered instead of opting for cheaper but illegal alternatives.

The debate gained further traction after earlier comments by the PTA at a public event. The authority’s Director General Licensing, Brigadier Retired Amir Shahzad, said the PTA supports the idea of lowering taxes on phones brought into Pakistan. He said the complaints raised by the public match the concerns of the authority itself, as the current tax structure has created problems for consumers and businesses.

Speaking at an AI Conference, he clarified that the PTA does not impose or collect these taxes. The Federal Board of Revenue holds full authority over the charges, yet many citizens believe the PTA is responsible. He added that PTA officials also purchase phones like any other citizen and pay all relevant taxes.

Overseas Pakistanis have voiced similar concerns for years. Many say heavy charges make it difficult to register phones brought from abroad, even when the device is for personal use.

While the government has not announced any policy shift, the growing public pressure and renewed debate have put the issue back in the spotlight. For now, smartphone buyers will have to wait to see whether any meaningful relief arrives.