PTA sets seven-day validity of mobile device registration app/PSID

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set seven days validity of mobile device registration application/ payment slip identification (PSID). The PTA stated that users are informed that all mobile device registration applications/ payment slip identification (PSID) have a validity period of seven days, during which the applicant can pay the applicable Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes and duties.

In case of non-payment within seven days from generation of application/PSID, the same shall be automatically deleted/ removed from system and deleted PSID will not have validity for payment at local banks, e-payments and online banking systems. Upon deletion of such applications/PSID, user can re-apply to generate fresh PSID for device registration.

The PTA has launched Device Identification Registration Blocking System (DIRBS). As per regulations, all mobile devices being connected to local networks using local SIM are subject to registration within 60 days from 1st use of device on local mobile networks in Pakistan.

The PTA has claimed that use of fake and substandard mobile devices being imported via informal and illegal channels has been stopped since implementation of DIRBS. The import of smart phones in 11 months of 2019, as of Nov 30th, stands at 7.64 million.

In comparison, the import of smart phones in 2018 (Jan-Dec) was 7.24 million. Apart from smart phones, other devices having 3G and 4G technology functionality, such as IoT, Dongles, Tablets etc, imported in 2018 (Jan-Dec) were 4.82 million, whereas in 11 months of 2019 (Jan-Nov), 7.11 million devices have so far been imported.

According to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the duty free allowance on import of mobile phone brought by international passengers was withdrawn vide amending SRO 689 (I) 2019, dated 29-6-2019. The said SRO was made effective from 1-7-2019. The reasons for withdrawal of duty free allowance were that the facility was being misused.