Overseas Pakistanis can avail the FBR tax-free mobile registration facility for 120 days per visit under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) policy.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is facilitating this service through its free, automated Temporary Mobile Registration System, available via the DIRBS portal.
This initiative ensures seamless mobile connectivity during short stays in Pakistan and reflects PTA’s commitment to supporting digital access for all such visitors.
How to Register
After signing up or logging into the DIRBS portal, overseas Pakistanis can temporarily register their mobile phones by selecting “Individual – Pak (Travelled on Visa)” or “Individual – Foreigner”, depending on their nationality/status. The portal then asks for a passport number, entry stamp info (arrival date), mobile number, and email address.
After that, click on “Apply for COC (Certificate of Compliance)” and select “Temporary Registration for Overseas Pakistani.” Provide the phone’s IMEI number, which can be checked by dialing *#06# and is also found on the phone’s original packaging.
Submit the application after providing any necessary documents. If eligible, the phone is registered free of cost for up to 120 days.
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pretty useless.
This isn’t an automated system, it works only on next working day. So if you’re traveling to Pakistan for a week or less over the weekend, expect that your mobile will work on Monday or Tuesday. But again, you can only apply after you land. Imagine a scenario when you land and have no connectivity and you have to then travel by land to another city with no connectivity.
What if we bring the same old phone from last year?
Will they register it again or its only for one time?
This isn’t new.
This isn’t automated system as it only gets activated on next working day. So if you’re traveling for a few days over the weekend, then expect that it will be active on Monday or Tuesday when you’ll be almost returning.
Also, if one is traveling to another city by road after landing, expect the nightmare of not having connectivity during land travel.