Register a Mobile Phone
Overseas Pakistanis often bring their personal mobile phones when visiting Pakistan. However, an unregistered phone may face restrictions when used with a Pakistani SIM.
To make short visits easier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have introduced a temporary mobile phone registration facility for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan.
The facility allows an eligible visitor to temporarily register one mobile handset for use on Pakistani mobile networks for up to 120 days.
This guide explains who can use the facility, what documents are required, and how temporary PTA mobile registration works.
What Is Temporary PTA Mobile Registration?
Temporary registration is a facility for overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors who bring a mobile phone to Pakistan for a short stay.
Instead of permanently registering the phone and paying the applicable taxes and duties, eligible visitors can use the temporary facility for their visit.
The facility is available for one mobile handset per applicant.
After 120 days, the IMEI registered under this facility will be suspended from local mobile network services.
Who Can Use This Facility?
The temporary registration facility is intended for:
- Overseas Pakistanis visiting Pakistan
- Pakistani students studying abroad
- Pakistanis working abroad
- Foreign nationals visiting Pakistan
- Visitors coming to Pakistan for short-term stays
The system verifies the applicant’s arrival information before processing the temporary registration.
How to Register Your Mobile Phone Temporarily
The temporary registration process is completed through the DIRBS system.
Step 1: Open the DIRBS Registration Portal
Visit the PTA Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) portal.
The temporary registration facility is available through the web-based DIRBS registration system.
Step 2: Enter Your Passport Information
You will need to provide information from your passport.
This includes your:
- Passport number
- Date of arrival in Pakistan
- Intended date of departure
The information is checked against the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) travel records.
Step 3: Enter Your Pakistani Mobile Number
You must provide a Pakistani SIM/mobile number issued in your own name.
The system verifies the mobile number with the relevant mobile operator. If the SIM is not registered in the applicant’s name, the application may not be processed.
Step 4: Enter Your Phone’s IMEI Number
You will also need to provide the IMEI number of the mobile phone you want to register.
You can usually find the IMEI by dialing:
*#06#
You can also find it in your phone’s settings or on the original packaging.
Make sure the IMEI you enter matches the phone you are actually using.
Step 5: Complete Verification
The DIRBS system checks the information you provide.
It verifies your mobile number through the mobile operator and your arrival information through FIA’s Integrated Border Management System (IBMS).
Once the required checks are successfully completed, the phone can be temporarily registered.
How Long Does Temporary Registration Last?
The temporary registration is available for a maximum of 120 days.
After 120 days, the IMEI registered under this facility will be suspended and the phone will no longer be able to use local mobile network services under the temporary registration.
Therefore, this facility is mainly useful for people visiting Pakistan temporarily rather than people who intend to keep using the phone permanently in Pakistan.
Can You Register More Than One Phone?
No.
The temporary facility applies to one mobile handset only for each applicant.
If you are bringing multiple phones, the additional devices may need to be dealt with under the applicable regular mobile-device registration and customs procedures.
Can You Use Another SIM in the Temporarily Registered Phone?
The temporary registration is linked to the mobile number provided during the application.
Under the prescribed procedure, the IMEI is paired with the applicant’s declared mobile number. If another SIM is inserted, the device may not receive local network connectivity through this temporary facility.
Therefore, it is important to use the SIM registered in your own name.
What Happens If You Visit Pakistan Again?
If you leave Pakistan and later return, you can apply for the temporary facility again.
According to FBR, the applicant will need to re-apply when visiting Pakistan again using the credentials used for the previous registration.
What If I Want to Keep Using My Phone Permanently?
Temporary registration is not the same as permanent PTA registration.
If you intend to use an imported mobile phone permanently with Pakistani mobile networks, you may need to follow the regular DIRBS registration process and pay the applicable duties and taxes.
FBR states that DIRBS is used to identify non-compliant mobile devices operating on Pakistani networks.
Important Things to Remember
Before applying for temporary mobile registration, keep these points in mind:
- Only one mobile handset is covered.
- You need a passport and travel information.
- Your Pakistani SIM should be registered in your own name.
- You need the phone’s IMEI number.
- Your arrival information is verified electronically.
- Temporary registration lasts for up to 120 days.
- After 120 days, the registered IMEI is suspended from local network services.
- A new application is required when you visit Pakistan again.
- Permanent use may require regular registration and payment of applicable taxes and duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is temporary PTA registration free?
The temporary registration procedure described by FBR does not state a separate registration fee for this facility. It is different from permanent device registration, where applicable duties and taxes may be payable.
How many phones can an overseas Pakistani temporarily register?
The facility is for one mobile handset per applicant.
How many days can I use my phone after temporary registration?
The temporary facility allows use for up to 120 days.
Do I need a Pakistani SIM?
Yes. The procedure requires a mobile SIM issued in the applicant’s name, and the system verifies it with the mobile operator.
What happens after 120 days?
The IMEI registered through the temporary facility is suspended from local network services.
Can foreign visitors use this facility?
Yes. The facility is designed for both eligible overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for short periods.
Final Word
If you are an overseas Pakistani coming to Pakistan for a short visit, the temporary PTA mobile registration facility can allow you to use your personal phone on a Pakistani mobile network without going through permanent device registration.
Before applying, make sure you have your passport, Pakistani SIM registered in your name, travel details and phone IMEI number ready.
Because PTA and FBR procedures can change, applicants should check the official DIRBS/FBR information before submitting their application.
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