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Tag: PTA

  • PTA warns of possible internet disruption in next 90 days

    PTA warns of possible internet disruption in next 90 days

    Pakistani internet users experienced disrupted internet once again on January 20 — previously disrupted on December 17 and January 7. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claimed that the internet disruption was caused by technical reasons — system upgrades.

    Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi has on Tuesday reiterated the claims of technical issues while also warning of the possibility of further hiccups.

    These frequent and dubiously timed blackouts have brought PTA under public scrutiny.

    Samaa news writes that “Pakistan’s tech-savvy populace expressed palpable outrage at the apparent lack of transparency and the extended timeframe for resolution”.

  • Government says hundreds of social media accounts involved in anti-judiciary campaign

    Government says hundreds of social media accounts involved in anti-judiciary campaign

    Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi stated on Monday that the government has identified over 500 social media accounts involved in a campaign against the judiciary.

    “Action will be taken against those involved in the recent malicious campaign against Supreme Court (SC) judges, in accordance with the law and constitution,” he said, talking to media in Islamabad while he was flanked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials.

    Solangi said that after the decision of the SC on the electoral symbol “bat” of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a vicious campaign was started against the judiciary.

    “Article 19 of the Constitution marks a boundary for freedom of speech,” he stated.

    On the other hand, PTA officials said that it has the authority to remove objectionable content from social media. He also said that awareness regarding the use of social media is essential, as most people spread lies on social media platforms without any authentic information.

    “Social media’s outreach is enormous and easy, but people are not aware of its utility,” he said.

  • PTA reveals drop in mobile data users amid increasing complaints

    PTA reveals drop in mobile data users amid increasing complaints

    In November 2023, data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) indicates a decline in various telecom metrics and an increase in user complaints compared to October 2023.

    The total number of cellular subscribers saw a decrease from 189.77 million at the end of October to 189.26 million at the end of November. Additionally, 3G and 4G users in Pakistan decreased from 126.92 million to 126.24 million during the same period.

    Cellular teledensity witnessed a decline from 79.32 per cent in October to 78.98 per cent in November, contributing to the overall teledensity drop from 80.4 per cent to 80.06 per cent.

    Furthermore, Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) penetration decreased from 53.05 per cent to 52.68 per cent.

    Provider-specific data reveals a decline in Jazz’s 3G users from 3.731 million to 3.569 million and 4G users from 43.172 million to 42.754 million between October and November.

    Zong experienced a decrease in 3G subscribers but an increase in 4G users. Telenor observed a decline in both 3G and 4G users, while Ufone’s 3G users decreased but 4G users increased.

    User complaints against telecom operators surged in November, with the PTA receiving 14,471 complaints. Notably, 98.9 per cent of these complaints were successfully resolved.

    The complaints spanned various telecom operators, including cellular mobile operators (CMOs), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), long-distance international (LDI) operators, wireless local loop (WLL) operators, and internet service providers (ISPs).

    Cellular mobile subscribers constituted the majority of complaints, reaching 13,857, of which 99.1 per cent were addressed. Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone faced specific complaints, with resolution rates ranging from 98.2 to 99.7 per cent.

    Complaints against basic telephony and ISPs were also received, with resolution rates of 93.2 per cent and 95.2 per cent, respectively.

  • Have a SIM and don’t use it? PTA will charge Rs. 200 on disowned sims

    Have a SIM and don’t use it? PTA will charge Rs. 200 on disowned sims

    In an effort to ensure the responsible usage of mobile SIMs, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that citizens looking to disown their SIM cards will be charged Rs. 200 apiece from next year.

    The new charge will be applicable from January 1 across the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. It will be levied on all SIM cards under a customer’s use for less than six months. The service to return or disown the unused SIM cards is available till December 31.

    In a statement, PTA said, “With this decision, the PTA stays committed to national safety and security while ensuring uninterrupted quality services to all telecom consumers”.

    The step has been taken in light of an initiative that started in 2016, addressing the concerns of rampant distribution of free SIM cards by mobile operators and their potential misuse.

    A survey from PTA highlights that some users knowingly or unknowingly hand over their SIMs to unauthorized people, for monetary benefits. These SIMs, once abandoned by the user, lead to disconnection. Such users then frequently acquire new SIMs from different operators, hence the cycle continues.

    Mobile users can verify the status of SIMs registered under their Comput­erised National Identity Card (CNIC) by going to the web address “cnic.sims.pk” or by SMSing their CNIC number to 668.

    A one-time wai­ver will apply in cases where illegal SIMs are iss­ued without the knowledge or consent of consumers.

    PTA believes fraudsters exploit the practice of free SIM disowning, as they conveniently get new ones after disowning the old ones.

    However, PTA also stressed that mobile firms should develop a mechanism to address the concerns of consumers with illegally issued SIMs registered under their CNICs, as these customers should not bear the cost of disowning such SIMs.

  • PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), executed two highly effective operations in Sargodha targeting unauthorised internet service providers.

    The initial operation unfolded in the RB Block of Rose Valley Society, while the second operation was conducted at Burj-e-Umar Plaza on Mian Khan Road, as detailed in an official press release issued on Friday.

    During these operations, law enforcement apprehended one individual, and a range of equipment used by these illicit internet service providers, such as switches, routers, laptops, antennas, and more, was seized. These entities had been offering internet services without the requisite licence from PTA, both in Sargodha and its adjoining regions.

    These successful crackdowns against unauthorised ISPs became possible due to the unwavering commitment and persistent efforts of the PTA in monitoring and addressing the issue of illegal internet services. According to ARY News, this proactive approach aims to reduce financial losses to the national Treasury caused by tax evasion and revenue misreporting.

  • Here’s the list of illegal loan apps banned in Pakistan

    Here’s the list of illegal loan apps banned in Pakistan

    The Ministry of IT and Telecom of the government responded to numerous reports and took decisive action against illegal loan apps, resulting in the banning of over 40 such applications. The severity of the issue prompted the ministry to intervene and curb the proliferation of these apps.

    In a statement released on Monday, Federal Minister Aminul Haque directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), led by Chairman Major General Hafeez-ur Rehman, to promptly address the situation. As a result, 43 applications were immediately blocked in accordance with the ministry’s instructions.

    Additionally, the PTA is collaborating with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) to seek consultation and support in tackling this concerning matter.

    Here’s the list of loan apps recently banned:

    • Superb Loans
    • Fair Loans
    • Plati Loans
    • UrCash
    • MyCash
    • Debit Campsite
    • Loan Credit Cash
    • Easy Mobile Loans
    • Fori Qarz Online Personal Loan
    • Easy Loans Credit Fast Pay
    • Little Cash- Mobile Loans
    • FinMore- Online Credit Loans
    • ZetaLoan- Easy Credit Wallet
    • Qarza Pocket -Personal Funds
    • Asaan Qarza- credit loans
    • Fast Loan
    • Harsha Tube – Quick Money
    • Loanclub
    • Tazza Centre – Get Money Soon
    • Aasan Lab – Easy Apply Money
    • CashCredit-Online Loan money bee
    • Galaxy Loan
    • TiCash
    • CashPro-Immediate Approval
    • Rose Cash – Loan Cash
    • HamdardLoan
    • Bee Cash
    • Yocash
    • Sallam Loan – Online Loan App
    • Whale
    • Zenn Park -Easy Instant Help
    • Get Welfare
    • LendHome
    • QuickCash
    • Mrloan
    • 567 Speed Loan
    • Rico Box – Easy Apply Online
    • Fori Instant Loans
    • 99 Fast Cash Loan
    • Apple Qist Qarz
    • BG Loan
    • Swift Loans
  • PTA introduces 120-day tax-free mobile registration for overseas Pakistanis

    PTA introduces 120-day tax-free mobile registration for overseas Pakistanis

    Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the Online Temporary Mobile Phone Registration System on Tuesday, aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals during their visits to the country.

    Under this system, individuals will be able to register and utilise their personal mobile phones for a duration of up to 120 days from the date of their arrival, exempt from any duties and taxes. This facility is available to overseas Pakistanis, including students and employees, as well as foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for tourism or business purposes.

    During the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the significant progress made by Pakistani youth in the field of information technology and emphasised the need to seize the abundant opportunities in this sector. He further stated that the current government has allocated ample funds in the budget to support various youth-oriented programmes.

     To attract foreign investment and revive the economy, a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been established, with the IT Ministry playing a pivotal role in achieving the set objectives.

    Additionally, the PM highlighted the importance of promoting IT parks in the country to boost IT exports. He mentioned the distribution of free laptops among deserving students based on merit and assured that a non-financial package will be announced soon to further enhance facilitation for overseas Pakistanis.

    In December 2018, the government introduced the ‘Mobile Phone Tax Policy,’ allowing overseas Pakistanis to bring one phone without paying customs duty, subject to registration upon arrival at the airport. Failure to register resulted in the phone being non-operational. Initially, the registered phone could be used with one SIM for 60 days, after which it required payment of due taxes to regularise its usage.

    In 2022, authorities upgraded and introduced new features in the Identification Registration and Blocking System, enabling overseas Pakistanis to use their imported mobile phones for a period of 120 days.

    The system facilitated data exchange among the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). It was also integrated with the FIA’s record of passengers’ entry and exit.

  • This is how much PTA tax you have to pay on your new iPhone 14

    This is how much PTA tax you have to pay on your new iPhone 14

    In 2019 Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduced a new tax mechanism called the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to regulate the usage of mobile devices in the country. The DIRBS system was designed to identify and register non-compliant devices with PTA mobile tax operating on local mobile networks and eventually block them to ensure that only compliant devices are used. With the implementation of the system, the FBR aimed to bring transparency and accountability to the mobile device market in Pakistan.


    With the latest tax burdens luxury phone users, whether an Apple fan or an android bunny, are now disappointed. Its not easy for every brand lover to pay the tax on a new phone he wants to buy.


    Tax rates change frequently so it is unclear when the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will raise the taxes of your smarts phones.

    Here is a list of some smarts phones and the taxes applied on them to get approved from PTA on passports and CNIC.


    Here is the list of Apple IPhone taxes on Passport

    IPhone 14PKR 125,751
    IPhone 14 PlusPKR 125,751
    14 ProPKR 127,000
    14 Pro MaxPKR 127,068
      

    Here is the list of Apple IPhone taxes on ID-Card  

    Iphone 14PKR 131,126
    Iphone 14 plusPKR 131,126
    14 proPKR 145,801
    14 pro maxPKR 152,424

    Here is the list of Taxes on Samsung Phone

    Samsung Galaxy S23 All Model Tax with Passport 2023

    Samsung Galaxy S2399,800
    Samsung Galaxy S23plus127,000
    Samsung Galaxy s23 Ultra131,000

    Samsung Galaxy S23 All Model Tax with ID Card 2023

    Samsung Galaxy S23110,500
    Samsung Galaxy s23 plus145,801
    Samsung Galaxy s23 ultra152,424

    Suppose you want to import the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, or standard S20 to Pakistan. In that case, you may use the information above to estimate the tax and customs duty you’ll owe. This Galaxy smartphone’s tax rate is the highest allowed by FBR.

    Here is the list of Xiaomi Redmi 9 PTA tax
    Xiaomi all models Tax with Passport

    Xiaomi Redmi 9(3+32) Tax PayablePKR 9,802 (On Passport)
    Xiaomi Redmi 9(4+64) Tax PayablePKR 10,480 (On Passport)
    Xiaomi Redmi 9C Tax PayablePKR 8,584 (On Passport)

    Xiaomi all models Tax with ID cards

    Xiaomi Redmi 9(3+32) Tax PayablePKR 11,664 (On ID card)
    Xiaomi Redmi 9(4+64) Tax PayablePKR 12,471 (On ID card)
    Xiaomi Redmi 9C Tax PayablePKR 10,214 (On ID card)

    Xiaomi Redmi 9 PTA tax need to be paid if you are importing them to Pakistan.




    These taxes must be paid within 30 days if the phone is registered on your passport and if you have registered the phone on your ID card, you will have 60 days to pay the tax.

  • Smuggled phones flood AJK and GB as device identification system remains unimplemented

    Smuggled phones flood AJK and GB as device identification system remains unimplemented

    According to a source in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the non-implementation of the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has led to an increase in the use of smuggled mobile phones in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region. Unlike the rest of the country, the Special Communications Organisation (SCOM) is the main mobile phone operator in this region, and the DIRBS does not apply to its connections.

    The purpose of the DIRBS is to identify non-compliant devices operating on local mobile networks and eventually block them while registering compliant ones. Despite a halt in local manufacturing and import of mobile phones, around 100,000 mobile phones are being smuggled into the region every month.

    Industry experts have confirmed that non-duty paid mobile phones smuggled from Dubai have made their way to the region. Zeeshan Mianoor, Deputy Vice Chairman of Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association, stated that the monthly sales of local mobile sets were around 2 million devices, with around 8-10% of them sold in the AJK and GB region.

    According to Dawn, Muhammad Ishaq Jalal, a Skardu-based journalist, explained that unregistered phones do not work in mainland Pakistan, but they operate on SCOM, and the same connection works in mainland Pakistan on the Ufone network due to the agreement between SCOM and Ufone. Jalal also noted that expensive, used smartphones are available at reasonable prices in the GB region because many of them are blocked in mainland Pakistan either because they were not registered with PTA or stolen, and their IMEI has been blocked.

    The spokesperson of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated that both the PTA and the Ministry of IT and Telecom have requested the Cabinet Division to ensure the implementation of DIRBS on SCOM. The spokesperson added that the system would be extended to the SCOM connections once the Cabinet Division approves the request. The DIRBS was introduced to protect local mobile device manufacturing by imposing duties on imports of mobile phones, as well as those brought by travellers coming from abroad. However, this system also helped to reduce mobile phone smuggling.

  • PTI’s Fayaz Chohan shares pornographic photos on Facebook, says account hacked

    PTI’s Fayaz Chohan shares pornographic photos on Facebook, says account hacked

    Pornographic pictures were shared on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan on Facebook account on Tuesday, leading to great amusement on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/CorollaViruss/status/1628107745894203397?s=20

    However, the leader has clarified that his account got hacked.

    https://twitter.com/Fayazchohanpti/status/1628266245224013824?s=20

    In a tweet, the PTI leader said that his Facebook page had been hacked since last two weeks and he has written a request to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

    He added that “Everyone knows who is doing this”.

    Last year, PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s Instagram account and Asad Umar’s Twitter account were also hacked. Prior to that, former federal minister Hammad Azhar’s e-mail, Twitter, and Apple accounts were also hacked.