How to Pay PTA Tax Online in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)

If you have brought a mobile phone from abroad or bought an imported phone in Pakistan, you must register it with PTA. If the PTA tax is not paid on time, your mobile signals will be blocked. Many users feel confused about the process, but the good news is that the PTA tax can be paid online easily from home.

This guide explains how to pay PTA tax online in Pakistan step by step, how to check the tax amount, available payment methods, and common issues users face.

What is the PTA Mobile Registration Tax?

PTA mobile registration tax is a government tax collected on imported mobile phones. It is managed through PTA’s DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System).
Any phone that is not registered with PTA is blocked after a limited usage period.

The tax amount depends on:

• Mobile phone brand and model
• Phone value
• Registration type (CNIC or Passport)

Who Needs to Pay PTA Tax?

You need to pay PTA tax if:

• You brought a phone from another country
• You purchased an imported phone in Pakistan
• Your phone shows “Non-Compliant” status on PTA DIRBS

Registration Types

• CNIC Registration: For local residents (higher tax)
• Passport Registration: For overseas Pakistanis or travelers (lower tax)

Each person is allowed one phone for personal use under passport registration within the allowed time.

PTA Tax Rates in Pakistan (2025)

PTA tax is not fixed. It varies by phone model and registration type.

Registration Type	ID Used	Tax Level
CNIC	Pakistani residents	Higher
Passport	Overseas Pakistanis	Lower

Always check the exact tax before payment, as prices differ phone to phone.

How to Check PTA Tax on Your Mobile Phone

Before paying, you should check how much PTA tax applies to your device.

Step 1: Get Your IMEI Number

• Dial *#06# on your phone
• Copy the IMEI number (for dual SIM phones, both IMEIs)

Step 2: Check Tax on PTA DIRBS Portal

• Visit PTA DIRBS website
• Enter your IMEI number
• Select CNIC or Passport
• The system will show the payable tax amount

How to Pay PTA Tax Online (Complete Step-by-Step Method)

This is the most important part of the process.

Step 1: Open PTA DIRBS Portal

Go to the official PTA DIRBS website and choose Individual Registration.

Step 2: Enter IMEI and Personal Details

• Enter your mobile IMEI
• Select registration type (CNIC or Passport)
• Provide required details accurately

Step 3: Generate PSID

After submitting details, the system generates a PSID (Payment Slip ID).
This PSID is used to pay PTA tax online.

PSID has a limited validity, so payment should be made on time.

Step 4: Pay PTA Tax Online

You can pay PTA tax using any of the following methods:

• Internet banking
• Mobile banking apps
• ATM machines
• Bank branch counters
• 1Link banking system

Once payment is successful, your phone will be registered automatically.

How to Pay PTA Tax via Mobile Banking Apps

You can pay PTA tax easily using mobile apps like:

• JazzCash
• EasyPaisa
• HBL, UBL, Meezan, Alfalah, MCB apps

Payment Steps:

• Open your banking app
• Go to Bill Payments
• Select FBR / Government Payments
• Enter PSID
• Confirm and pay

How Long Does PTA Registration Take After Payment?

In most cases:

• Registration is completed within 5 to 30 minutes
• Sometimes it may take up to 24 hours

You will receive a confirmation message once your phone becomes compliant.

How to Check PTA Tax Payment Status

After payment, you can verify registration status:

• Visit the PTA DIRBS portal
• Enter your IMEI
• If the status shows “Compliant, your phone is fully registered

Common PTA Tax Payment Issues and Solutions

PSID Expired: Generate a new PSID from the DIRBS portal.

Payment Deducted but Phone Still Blocked: Wait a few hours and recheck the status. If the issue remains, contact PTA support.

Wrong IMEI Entered: Double-check IMEI before submission. Incorrect IMEI causes delays.

Passport Registration Error: Ensure the passport entry date is valid and within the allowed time.

Tips to Save PTA Tax Legally

• Use passport registration if eligible
• Register the phone immediately after arrival
• Check the PTA tax before buying an imported phone
• Avoid unofficial or tampered devices

FAQs – How to Pay PTA Tax Online

Can I pay PTA tax in installments?
No, the PTA tax must be paid in full.

Can someone else pay the PTA tax for me?
Yes, anyone can pay using your PSID.

Is the PTA tax refundable?
No, the PTA tax is non-refundable.

What happens if I don’t pay the PTA tax?
Your mobile network services will be blocked permanently.

Conclusion

Paying PTA tax online is a simple and secure process if done correctly. Always check your tax amount, use the official DIRBS portal, and keep your PSID safe. Registering your phone on time helps you avoid service interruptions and future problems.

If you are planning to buy an imported phone, check the PTA tax first to avoid unexpected costs.