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Bringing an iPhone 16 Pro Max into Pakistan or buying a non-PTA unit? It must be registered with the PTA and the tax paid before it works with local SIMs. Here is the current iPhone 16 Pro Max PTA tax for 2026 on passport and CNIC, plus how to check and pay it.
iPhone 16 Pro Max PTA Tax in Pakistan (Quick Answer)
| Registration Type | PTA Tax (PKR) |
|---|---|
| On Passport (overseas Pakistanis, within 60 days of arrival) | approx. 154,868 |
| On CNIC (local registration) | approx. 183,005 |
Registering on your passport is cheaper than on your CNIC, but the passport method is only available to travellers within 60 days of entering Pakistan. Local buyers use the CNIC rate.
What Is PTA Tax and Why You Have to Pay It
PTA tax is the combined duty and taxes (customs duty, regulatory duty, sales tax, income tax and mobile levy) charged on imported mobile phones, collected through the DIRBS system run by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Until a phone is registered and cleared, its IMEI is blocked and it will not accept a local SIM after the grace period.
Passport vs CNIC: Which Should You Choose?
- Passport rate is lower and is meant for overseas Pakistanis and travellers. You must register within 60 days of arriving in Pakistan on that passport.
- CNIC rate is higher and applies to anyone registering locally without the 60-day passport window.
Does Storage (256GB / 512GB / 1TB) Change the Tax?
PTA tax is based on the assessed value of the model, not the storage size, and the difference between variants is minor. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is taxed in the same high-end slab across its 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options, so budget for the figures above regardless of storage.
How to Check PTA Tax and Registration Status
- Dial *#06# on the iPhone to see its IMEI number.
- Send the IMEI in an SMS to 8484 to check its DIRBS status, or
- Visit the PTA DIRBS portal at dirbs.pta.gov.pk and enter the IMEI to see whether it is compliant, non-compliant or blocked.
How to Pay iPhone 16 Pro Max PTA Tax
- Create an account on the PTA DIRBS portal (dirbs.pta.gov.pk) and choose the correct profile — local (CNIC) or international (passport).
- Add your device using its IMEI and generate a PSID (Payment Slip ID).
- Pay the PSID through your bank app, ATM, or authorised bank branch.
- Once paid, the IMEI is whitelisted and the iPhone works with all local networks.
New vs Used iPhone 16 Pro Max
The PTA tax is the same whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max is new or used — it depends on the model and registration method, not condition. If buying a used unit inside Pakistan, confirm it is already PTA approved before paying, or factor the CNIC tax into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is PTA tax on iPhone 16 Pro Max in Pakistan?
Around PKR 154,868 on passport and PKR 183,005 on CNIC as of September 2026. Confirm the exact figure on the DIRBS portal before paying.
Is passport PTA tax cheaper than CNIC?
Yes. The passport rate is lower but is only available to travellers who register within 60 days of arriving in Pakistan.
How long can I use the iPhone before registering?
A phone brought on international travel typically works on a local SIM for around 60 days, after which the IMEI is blocked until PTA tax is paid.
Last updated: 17 September 2026. PTA tax rates are set by FBR/PTA and can change; always verify the current amount on the official DIRBS portal before making a payment.
