PTA Tax Check by IMEI 2026: Mobile Registration, 8484 SMS & DIRBS Guide

Phones brought into Pakistan from abroad must be registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) through its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). An unregistered ("non-PTA") phone stops working with Pakistani SIMs after the grace period. Before buying a used phone, or after bringing one from abroad, always do a PTA tax check using the phone's IMEI.

Step 1: Find your phone's IMEI

• Dial *#06# on the phone — the 15-digit IMEI number appears on screen. Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs.
• You can also find it in Settings → About phone, or on the box and the phone's original receipt.

Step 2: PTA approval check by SMS (8484)

1. Type the 15-digit IMEI in a new SMS.
2. Send it to 8484.
3. Read the reply:
   • Compliant / valid — the phone is PTA approved and will work normally.
   • Non-compliant / not registered — the phone must be registered and tax paid.
   • Blocked / stolen — do not buy the phone; it has been reported.

Step 3: Check status and tax on DIRBS

For more detail, visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk and use the IMEI verification option, or install PTA's official DIRBS app. The system shows the device brand and model linked to the IMEI and its registration status.

PTA tax check: how the tax is calculated

PTA tax is not a single fixed amount. It is collected on behalf of FBR and depends on:

• The phone's value / model — higher-priced phones pay much more;
• Whether you register on your passport (arriving travellers) or CNIC; and
• Whether you are an active filer — tax rates for non-filers can be higher. Check your ATL status before paying.

The exact amount for your model is shown on DIRBS when you generate the payment slip. Rates are set in the Finance Act and can change each year, so do not rely on old tax charts shared on social media.

How to register a phone with PTA (step by step)

1. Open the DIRBS device registration portal (linked from dirbs.pta.gov.pk) and create an account.
2. Choose Individual registration and select CNIC or passport.
3. Enter the IMEI(s), brand and model of the phone.
4. Submit to generate a PSID (payment slip ID) showing the tax amount.
5. Pay the PSID through internet banking, a mobile banking app or at any bank branch before it expires.
6. After payment is confirmed, the IMEI becomes compliant — recheck with 8484.

The 60-day rule for imported phones

When a non-registered phone is first used with a Pakistani SIM, it gets a temporary grace period of 60 days. During this time it works normally and you receive SMS reminders. If it is not registered and taxed by the end of the period, the phone is blocked on all Pakistani networks.

Buying a used phone: PTA checklist

• Dial *#06# and send each IMEI to 8484 — both must be compliant on dual-SIM phones.
• Insert your own SIM and make a test call before paying.
• Match the IMEI with the box and ask for the original purchase receipt if possible.
• Avoid phones sold as "patched" or "PTA approved with software" — patched IMEIs are regularly blocked in PTA's crackdowns.
• Ask whether the phone was registered on the seller's CNIC or passport. A phone registered on a passport is tied to that traveller's allowance; check with 8484 that it remains compliant.

PTA registration for overseas Pakistanis and travellers

Travellers arriving in Pakistan can register phones on their passport using the arrival stamp date. Registration on a passport may qualify for a different tax treatment than on a CNIC, depending on the rules in force for that year. Register within the grace period and keep your travel details (passport number and arrival date) ready when you open DIRBS. Before paying, check your filer status since it can affect the amount.

Lost or stolen phone

Report a lost or stolen phone to your operator or through PTA's lost-and-stolen service so the IMEI is blocked. Also block the SIM, and if the phone had banking apps, change your passwords. See our SIM check on CNIC guide for blocking SIMs.