PTA Tax on iPhone 16 Series in Pakistan 2026
PTA Tax on iPhone 16 Series in Pakistan 2026
Every iPhone 16 brought into Pakistan from abroad — whether carried by a returning traveller, ordered through a friend, or purchased from a Hafeez Centre grey market dealer — requires PTA registration to keep working on local networks (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor).
iPhone 16 (128GB)
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB)
| Model | Storage | ID Card Registration | Passport Registration | Grey Market Price | Total (ID Card) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 128GB | Rs. 28,000–32,000 | Rs. 18,000–22,000 | Rs. 185,000–200,000 | ~Rs. 230,000 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB | Rs. 32,000–36,000 | Rs. 21,000–25,000 | Rs. 215,000–235,000 | ~Rs. 268,000 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128GB | Rs. 42,000–48,000 | Rs. 28,000–33,000 | Rs. 275,000–300,000 | ~Rs. 345,000 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256GB | Rs. 55,000–62,000 | Rs. 37,000–43,000 | Rs. 370,000–390,000 | ~Rs. 445,000 |
Miss the 60-day registration window and your phone stops making calls and using mobile data. It will only work on Wi-Fi.
This guide gives you the exact PTA tax figures for all four iPhone 16 models, explains CNIC vs passport registration, and walks through the registration process step by step.
iPhone 16 PTA Tax — Full Breakdown (2026)
iPhone 16 Standard
| Storage | ID Card Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | Rs. 28,000 – 32,000 | Rs. 18,000 – 22,000 |
| 256GB | Rs. 30,000 – 35,000 | Rs. 20,000 – 24,000 |
| 512GB | Rs. 33,000 – 38,000 | Rs. 22,000 – 26,000 |
iPhone 16 Plus
| Storage | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | Rs. 32,000 – 36,000 | Rs. 21,000 – 25,000 |
| 256GB | Rs. 34,000 – 39,000 | Rs. 23,000 – 27,000 |
| 512GB | Rs. 37,000 – 42,000 | Rs. 25,000 – 29,000 |
iPhone 16 Pro
| Storage | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | Rs. 42,000 – 48,000 | Rs. 28,000 – 33,000 |
| 256GB | Rs. 45,000 – 51,000 | Rs. 30,000 – 35,000 |
| 512GB | Rs. 49,000 – 55,000 | Rs. 33,000 – 38,000 |
| 1TB | Rs. 54,000 – 60,000 | Rs. 36,000 – 42,000 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max
| Storage | CNIC Tax (PKR) | Passport Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | Rs. 55,000 – 62,000 | Rs. 37,000 – 43,000 |
| 512GB | Rs. 60,000 – 67,000 | Rs. 40,000 – 46,000 |
| 1TB | Rs. 65,000 – 72,000 | Rs. 43,000 – 49,000 |
Note: PTA tax rates change with the dollar/PKR exchange rate. These figures are based on June 2026 rates. Confirm the current figure at pta.gov.pk or via the DIRBS portal before registering.
CNIC vs Passport Registration — Which to Choose?
National ID Card Registration
- Available to all Pakistani nationals
- Higher tax rate (government duty applies fully)
- Phone stays registered to your CNIC permanently
- One phone per identity document per year (you can register additional phones but the process differs)
- Registration done at any Mobilink/Jazz or Ufone franchise, or online at pta.gov.pk
Passport Registration
- Lower tax rate — designed for travellers bringing personal devices into Pakistan
- Available to any person entering Pakistan with a foreign passport, or Pakistani nationals who have a foreign passport/visa stamp
- Registration must be done within 60 days of the phone entering Pakistan
- Registration linked to your passport number, not CNIC
- The lower rate applies because the government assumes the phone will leave Pakistan with the traveller
Which to use: If you have a foreign passport or a family member abroad bought the phone, use passport registration — the saving is Rs. 10,000–20,000 per phone. If you don’t have passport access, CNIC registration is the only option.
How to Register Your iPhone 16 for PTA
Method 1: Online via DIRBS Portal
- Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk
- Create an account with your CNIC or passport number
- Enter your phone’s IMEI (dial *#06# on the phone)
- Pay the tax online via Jazz Cash, Easypaisa, or bank transfer
- Registration confirmation comes within 24–48 hours
Method 2: Through a Telecom Franchise
- Visit a Jazz, Zong, Ufone, or Telenor franchise with your CNIC and phone
- The franchise agent fills in the registration on your behalf
- Pay the tax at the franchise counter
- Activation typically within a few hours
The 60-Day Rule — What Happens If You Miss It?
Pakistani law gives you 60 days from when a phone first connects to a Pakistani network to register it. After 60 days without registration, the IMEI is blocked — your phone stops receiving calls and mobile data on all Pakistani networks. It will only work on Wi-Fi.
To check if your phone is blocked: text your IMEI number to 8484 from any Pakistani SIM. You’ll receive an SMS within minutes telling you the registration status.
If your phone is already blocked, registration is still possible — but you may need to visit a PTA-authorised registration centre in person rather than doing it online.
Total Cost of an iPhone 16 in Pakistan — Full Calculation
Example: iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB bought grey market:
| Cost Component | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Grey market purchase price | Rs. 370,000 – 390,000 |
| PTA tax (CNIC) | Rs. 55,000 – 62,000 |
| PTA tax (Passport) | Rs. 37,000 – 43,000 |
| Total (CNIC) | Rs. 425,000 – 452,000 |
| Total (Passport) | Rs. 407,000 – 433,000 |
Compare this to buying a PTA-approved unit directly: Rs. 430,000–450,000 for the same 256GB model. The grey market saving after tax is often only Rs. 5,000–20,000 — at that margin, many buyers find the PTA-approved route less hassle.
Common Questions
Can I use an unregistered iPhone on Jazz or Zong?
Yes, for 60 days from first connection. After that, calls and data stop working.
What if I bought a non-PTA phone and didn’t register within 60 days?
The phone is IMEI-blocked. Visit a PTA registration centre with your CNIC — late registration is still possible but requires in-person processing and may carry additional documentation.
Does the PTA tax include customs duty?
Yes — the figure you pay through DIRBS includes all applicable government duties and taxes. You do not pay anything separately at customs.
Does registration transfer if I sell the phone?
PTA registration stays with the IMEI, not the person. If you sell a registered phone, it remains registered on the buyer’s network. The buyer should verify registration status before purchasing.