Karachi — The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Wednesday that consumers who owe Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) taxes between Rs 100,000 and Rs 250,000 on imported smartphones can now settle the amount in installments instead of a single payment. The facility, which takes effect immediately, targets owners of high‑end devices such as iPhones, Samsung’s flagship models and other premium phones whose tax liability falls within the stipulated range.
Under the new scheme, eligible taxpayers may divide the total tax due into smaller, manageable chunks, allowing them to spread the outflow over a period determined by the FBR. While the precise number of installments has not been disclosed, the arrangement is intended to lessen the immediate financial pressure on buyers while ensuring that the full tax amount is eventually collected.
The move comes as a response to mounting complaints from consumers and retailers about the steep customs duties and excise taxes imposed on imported mobile phones, which can push the tax bill on a single device well above Rs 100,000. Previously, buyers had to pay the entire amount upfront, a requirement that often forced them to delay purchases, resort to informal channels, or face penalties for delayed clearance.
By offering a staggered‑payment option, the FBR hopes to encourage greater compliance with PTA’s import regulations and curb the shadow market for high‑value smartphones. Analysts suggest that the flexibility could stimulate demand for premium devices, benefitting both authorised dealers and the broader technology sector, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
The installment facility applies only to phones whose total tax liability lies between Rs 100,000 and Rs 250,000, a bracket that typically includes the latest iPhone models, flagship Android handsets and other high‑priced imports. Phone owners will need to present proof of purchase and the original tax assessment when applying for the payment plan, and the FBR has indicated that standard penalties for non‑payment will still apply if the agreed schedule is not honoured.
The policy is part of a broader effort by the federal tax authority to ease cash‑flow constraints for consumers while safeguarding revenue streams. If successful, the scheme may be expanded to cover other categories of high‑value imports that generate sizable tax liabilities.