PTA Mobile Tax, IMEI Check, and Approval Guide

Home / News Update / PTA Mobile Tax, IMEI Check, and Approval Guide
May 30, 2025 News Update 104

In Pakistan, if you want to use a mobile phone with a local SIM card, it must be approved by the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). If you are buying a brand-new smartphone from a shop or one from abroad, it is very important to check.  If the phone is PTA-approved or not. If your mobile phone is not registered with PTA, it can get blocked after a few weeks and will not work on local mobile networks. That is why you should always know how to check the IMEI number, check the PTA tax, and understand the approval process.

In this article, we will explain everything step-by-step in simple words. What PTA is, why it is important, and how you can check if your phone is registered or not. Also, how to check the tax, and how to approve your device. This guide is especially helpful for people who buy mobile phones from other countries or online. So, stay connected with Raabty only. 

What is PTA?

PTA stands for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. It is the government organization that controls and manages telecommunication services in Pakistan. PTA checks all mobile devices used in the country and makes sure they are legal, original, and safe to use.

To perform all these actions,  PTA uses a system called DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System). This system helps PTA identify fake and unregistered phones and block them from working with SIM cards.

Why PTA Approval is Important?

If your phone is not PTA-approved, it will only work with Wi-Fi. You would not be able to use mobile data, make calls, or send texts using any local SIM card after 60 days. PTA approval make sure your device is:

  1. Legally registered
  2. Original (not fake or smuggled)
  3. Allowed to use local mobile networks

What is the IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit unique code used to identify your mobile phone. Every phone has its own IMEI number. PTA uses this number to check if a phone is approved or not.

How to Find Your IMEI Number?

  1. Dial *#06# on your phone.
  2. You will see the 15-digit IMEI number on your screen.
  3. You can also find it on the phone box or in the phone settings under About Phone.
     

How to Check if Your Phone is PTA Approved?

Once you have your IMEI number, you can check your phone’s status with the PTA IMEI check online in two easy ways. It includes: 

Method 1: Pta imei check online

  1. Go to https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
  2. Enter your IMEI number in the box
  3. Click on Check.
     
  4. You will see one of these results:
     
    • Compliant (Your phone is PTA approved)
    • Non-compliant (Your phone is not registered)
    • Blocked (Your phone is blocked from mobile networks)
       

Method 2: Check via SMS

  1. Send your IMEI number to 8484 via SMS
  2. You will receive a reply with your device’s status. This is the easiest way to know if your mobile is PTA-approved.

What is PTA Mobile Tax?

If your mobile phone is not approved, you can pay the PTA tax to register and approve it. The tax amount depends on the brand and model of your phone. Expensive phones like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy usually have a high tax.

This tax is required because the government wants to control smuggling and other illegal issues about imported electronics. After paying this tax, your phone becomes legally approved and fully functional in Pakistan. You can also choose the option of how to check PTA tax on mobile simply. 

How to Check PTA Tax Online?

This is the official way to know how much PTA tax you need to pay. You can check the tax amount on your phone by following these steps:

  1. Go to their official website
  2. Select Login/Register.
  3. Create an account using your CNIC and mobile number
  4. Log in to the system
  5. Enter your IMEI number
  6. The system will show you the exact tax amount for your phone model
     

How to Approve Your Phone with PTA?

If your phone is not approved, you need not worry. You can still register and approve it by paying the tax. Here is the method to perform these steps:

Steps to Approve a Phone:

  1. Go to the dirbs.pta.gov website 
  2. Create an account or log in with your CNIC
  3. Enter your phone's IMEI number
  4. The system will show the tax amount
  5. Pay the tax using online banking, ATM, or mobile wallet
  6. Once paid, your device will be approved in 24 to 48 hours
  7. You will also receive a confirmation SMS from PTA once your phone is approved.

PTA Mobile Tax, IMEI Check, and Approval Guide

PTA Mobile Tax and Rates in Pakistan 

As we know, there are different mobile models approved by the PTA and non-PTA. Like it includes the 16 Pro Max price in Pakistan pta approved, iPhone 14 Pro Max non-PTA price in Pakistan and the iPhone 13 Pro Max non-PTA price in Pakistan.  

  1. With an extra tax, the iPhone 11 non pta price in Pakistan​ ranges from PKR 110,000 to PKR 130,000, while the PTA-approved price is between PKR 37,000 and 40,000.
  2. The iPhone 12 non pta price in Pakistan​ is between PKR 130,000 and PKR 150,000 without PTA taxes and a PKR 45,000 to 50,000 charge for PTA taxes.
  3. The iPhone 13 Pro Max non pta price​ in Pakistan starts from PKR 210,000 and PKR 250,000, with an addition of  PKR 90,000 to 100,000 for taxes.
  4. The iPhone 14 Pro Max non pta price in Pakistan​ is between PKR 310,000 and PKR 360,000. You also need to pay 100,000 to PKR 110,000 in tax if you want your PTA to be approved.
  5. The iPhone 15 Pro Max non pta price in Pakistan​ is between PKR 400,000 and PKR 450,000 in Pakistan. With a fee of PKR 120,000 to 130,000 for PTA-due taxes.

What If Your Phone Gets Blocked?

Sometimes a phone gets blocked by mistake or due to a delay in tax payment. If this happens, you can file a complaint with the PTA.

How to File a PTA Complaint:

  1. Visit https://complaint.pta.gov website
  2. Click on Lodge Complaint.
  3. Fill out your details
  4. Submit your IMEI and explain the issue
  5. You will get a PTA complaint number to track your case. PTA usually responds within a few working days.

Conclusion 

Lastly, getting your phone PTA-approved is very important in Pakistan. If your phone is new, second-hand, or imported, always check the IMEI, check the PTA tax, and follow the approval process if needed. This will save you from network problems, blocking issues, and legal troubles.

Use official websites only and avoid shortcuts. Always follow the correct method to register and approve your phone. If you follow this guide step by step, you can easily manage your device’s PTA approval without any confusion.

If you’re looking to buy or sell property, contact us. We are the best real estate offices in Pakistan.       

Explore Properties here:                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

  1. House for sale
  2. House for rent
  3. Room for sale
  4. Room for Rent
  5. Flat for Rent
  6. Flat for sale
  7. Ideal Farmhouse
  8. Commercial Property
  9. Residential Plot

Tags:

pta imei check online, pta complaint, pta complaint number, complaint pta gov pk, dirbs pta login, pta dirbs login,PTA Mobile Tax, IMEI Check Pakistan, PTA Mobile Registration, PTA Approval Guide, PTA Tax Calculator, Mobile Device Verification, PTA IMEI Registration, PTA Mobile Approval Process