ISLAMABAD: With the post-Eid tech shopping spree officially underway, thousands of Pakistanis are looking to upgrade their smartphones. Whether you are bringing a device from Dubai or buying a "Non-PTA" kit from the local market, there is one massive hurdle standing in your way: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and PTA Taxes.
While the government recently introduced slight customs valuation drops for older models (like the iPhone 12 and 13), the taxes on premium flagship devices remain astronomically high. If you are eyeing the latest Apple or Samsung flagships, you need to calculate your exact budget before your network signals are blocked after the 60-day grace period.
At 24 Urdu News HD, we have compiled the ultimate masterpiece guide for 2026. Below are the official, updated PTA tax rates for the iPhone 15 Series and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series, along with a legal loophole to pay these hefty taxes on easy installments!
Latest PTA Tax on iPhone 15 Series (2026 Updates)
Apple devices are classified as luxury imports, meaning they face the highest regulatory and customs duties. Remember, registering your iPhone via a Passport (if you have traveled internationally within the last 60 days) is always cheaper than registering it on a local CNIC.
| iPhone Model | PTA Tax on Passport (Approx.) | PTA Tax on CNIC (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 (Base) | Rs. 111,000 | Rs. 134,750 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Rs. 118,500 | Rs. 143,000 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Rs. 135,300 | Rs. 161,480 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Rs. 148,500 | Rs. 176,000 |
Latest PTA Tax on Samsung Galaxy S24 Series
While Samsung assembles many of its mid-range phones (like the A-series) locally in Pakistan—making them completely PTA tax-free—the flagship S-series is still imported. As a result, the S24 lineup incurs heavy taxation.
| Samsung Model | PTA Tax on Passport (Approx.) | PTA Tax on CNIC (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 (Base) | Rs. 98,500 | Rs. 120,000 |
| Galaxy S24 Plus | Rs. 115,000 | Rs. 138,500 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | Rs. 135,000 | Rs. 171,750 |
*Note: A popular alternative in the local market is "CPID" software patching for Samsung phones, which costs around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000. However, CPID is technically illegal, voids your official warranty, and can cause banking apps to malfunction. Official PTA approval is always recommended.
How to Pay PTA Tax on Installments in 2026?
Paying Rs. 176,000 in a single transaction just to use a SIM card is impossible for most salaried individuals. Fortunately, the financial sector has introduced a brilliant solution: PTA Tax Installment Plans.
If you hold a credit card from major Pakistani banks (such as Bank Alfalah, Faysal Bank, MCB, or Standard Chartered), you can convert your PTA Tax Payment (PSID) into easy monthly EMIs.
The Step-by-Step Process:
- Generate your PSID (Payment Slip ID) by dialing *8484# from your phone or visiting the official DIRBS PTA website.
- Log into your Bank's Mobile App and navigate to the "Tax / FBR Payments" section.
- Enter your PSID and pay the full amount using your Credit Card.
- Immediately call your bank's helpline and ask them to convert the specific transaction into a 3, 6, or 12-month installment plan. Many banks offer 0% markup (zero interest) for 3 to 6-month plans!
Conclusion
Buying a flagship smartphone in Pakistan is an expensive hobby. Before purchasing a Non-PTA iPhone 15 or Samsung S24, always factor in the official tax rates. If the upfront cost is too high, utilize your credit card to break the massive tax burden into manageable monthly payments.
For the latest updates on SRO notifications, gadget reviews, and FBR tax policies, stay tuned to the Tech Desk at 24 Urdu News HD.
About the Author
Rizwan Ali is the Founder, Editor, and Digital Financial Analyst at 24 Urdu News HD. Based in Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan, Rizwan holds diplomas from Brains College, Baghbanpura, Lahore.
With over 5 years of extensive experience in market research, economic blogging, and web development, he is dedicated to providing mathematically accurate, deeply researched, and SEO-optimized financial content to empower investors across Pakistan.
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