30/05/2025
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30/05/2025
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ISLAMABAD, May 30: In recent years, many overseas Pakistanis visiting their homeland have encountered an unexpected and frustrating problem: their local Pakistani SIM cards stop working after a short period of use. While this may seem like a technical glitch or a telecom issue at first glance, the root cause lies in Pakistan's telecom regulatory policies, particularly those governed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The Core of the Problem: Device Registration
The key issue revolves around the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) introduced by the PTA. This system was implemented to curb the smuggling of mobile phones, reduce grey market trade, and ensure that all devices on Pakistani networks are properly documented.
When an overseas Pakistani brings a phone from abroad and inserts a local SIM card, the telecom network automatically checks whether the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is registered with the PTA. If the IMEI is not registered or not PTA-approved, the system allows a grace period—typically 60 days—for temporary use. Once that grace period expires, the phone is blocked from accessing Pakistani mobile networks with local SIM cards.
One Phone, One Year: The Overseas Pakistani Allowance
In response to the concerns of the diaspora, the PTA allows overseas Pakistanis to register one mobile phone per year duty-free, provided they have entered the country recently. This can be done through the official PTA DIRBS portal or device registration system, where users must provide their IMEI number, passport or CNIC, and proof of travel such as an entry stamp or travel details.
The Role of Biometric Verification and SIM Limits
SIM card blocking may also occur due to biometric verification issues or the five-SIMs-per-CNIC rule. If the visitor is using a foreign passport or their CNIC isn’t active or properly verified, the system may restrict new SIM activations or suspend existing ones as a security precaution.
Safe Options for Visitors
- Register your phone legally if you plan to use it with a local SIM.
- Buy a PTA-approved phone in Pakistan to ensure full compatibility.
- Use international roaming with your foreign SIM—phones using roaming are exempt from PTA restrictions.
- You can bring in 1 mobile phone per year without paying any tax.
- This is allowed once every 12 months, based on your travel record.
- You must register the phone with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) using the DIRBS portal: https://dvs.pta.gov.pk/
You’ll need:
Additional Phones Are Taxable
If you bring more than one phone per year, taxes/duties will apply on the extra devices. The amount depends on:
Example: A new iPhone might incur PKR 80,000–150,000+ in tax, while lower-end phones may be taxed as little as PKR 5,000–20,000.
