Updated PTA Taxes on iPhone 15, 16, and 17: A Complete List (Passport vs. CNIC)
Let’s be real for a second. Buying an iPhone in Pakistan right now feels less like purchasing a gadget and more like buying a small plot of land. You save up for months, you finally get your hands on the box, and then the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) hands you a bill that makes you want to cry. If you are searching for the Updated PTA Taxes on iPhone 15, 16, and 17, you probably already know the pain, but you need the exact numbers to decide if it's worth getting your device "approved" or living that "Non-PTA" life.
The tech market in Pakistan has changed drastically in 2025. With the dollar fluctuation and new government policies, the tax structure is confusing. Are you registering on a Passport? Are you using your CNIC? Is the iPhone 17 tax really touching 2 Lakhs? We are going to break it all down so you don’t get scammed by a retailer claiming "Tax Paid" when it isn't.
Why is PTA Tax So High in Pakistan?
Before we look at the list, you need to understand why you are paying this much. It isn't just one tax. The PTA approval fee is a cocktail of Customs Duty, Regulatory Duty, Sales Tax, and IT Levy. Because iPhones fall into the "Premium Category" (basically anything over $500), they get hit with the highest slab of taxation.
The government treats iPhones as luxury goods. While that makes sense on paper, for a freelancer or content creator in Lahore or Karachi, an iPhone is a tool, not just a status symbol. But unfortunately, the FBR doesn't see it that way.
Complete PTA Tax List: iPhone 15 Series
The iPhone 15 is now a couple of years old, but it remains a favorite because prices have dropped slightly in the international market. However, the tax remains stubbornly high.
On Passport (Temporary/Traveler):
- iPhone 15 (Base Model): Approx. 107,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Plus: Approx. 113,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Pro: Approx. 122,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Approx. 131,000 PKR
On CNIC (Permanent):
- iPhone 15 (Base Model): Approx. 130,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Plus: Approx. 136,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Pro: Approx. 155,000 PKR
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Approx. 165,000 PKR
Note: These figures are estimates based on the current dollar rate. Always generate a PSID from the DIRBS website for the exact-to-the-rupee amount before paying.
Complete PTA Tax List: iPhone 16 Series
This is the current "king" of the market. Most users upgrading right now are looking at the iPhone 16. The tax here jumps significantly because the base dollar value of the phone is higher.
On Passport:
- iPhone 16: Approx. 115,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Plus: Approx. 120,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Pro: Approx. 135,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Approx. 148,000 PKR
On CNIC:
- iPhone 16: Approx. 142,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Plus: Approx. 150,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Pro: Approx. 168,000 PKR
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Approx. 178,000 - 182,000 PKR
(Internal Link Suggestion: Still deciding if the upgrade is worth this massive tax? Read our honest comparison: https://www.empooria.com/2025/12/iphone-16-vs-samsung-s24-pakistan.html .)
Projected PTA Tax List: iPhone 17 Series
The iPhone 17 is the latest buzz. If you are importing one or buying the latest release, brace yourself. Since tax is calculated on the USD invoice value, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is retailing at a premium, the tax hits a new record.
Estimated Tax on CNIC:
- iPhone 17: Expect around 155,000 PKR
- iPhone 17 Pro: Expect around 175,000 PKR
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expect around 190,000 PKR
Yes, you read that right. The tax on the 17 Pro Max is almost 2 Lakh Rupees. That is the price of a decent used bike or a massive down payment on a car.
Passport vs. CNIC: What’s the Difference?
We get asked this a lot. Why is the Passport tax cheaper?
The government offers a rebate to overseas Pakistanis or travelers. If you have traveled internationally within the last 60 days, you can register the phone on your Passport for a lower fee. However, once registered, that phone is linked to you.
The Catch: You cannot sell a "Passport Approved" phone as easily as a CNIC approved one, because technically it was meant for personal use. Also, you only get one slot per passport. If you haven't traveled, do not try to "buy" a passport slot from an agent. PTA is cracking down on this, and your phone could get blocked permanently.
Empooria's Take: The Rise of the "SCOM" Generation
Here is my personal analysis of what is happening on the ground.
Because these taxes are frankly unaffordable for the average salaried person, we are seeing a massive shift in user behavior. Most people I know are buying JV (Joint Venture) or Non-PTA iPhones.
They carry a cheap Android (or a "Kit" phone) for their Zong/Jazz SIM to create a hotspot, and they use the iPhone 16 or 17 as a Wi-Fi device. Recently, usage of SCOM SIMs (which operate in Northern Areas/Kashmir but often roam in cities) has skyrocketed because, for some technical loophole reasons, they sometimes work on Non-PTA iPhones longer than standard networks.
Is it ideal? No. It’s annoying to carry two phones. But when the tax is 1.8 Lakhs, convenience takes a backseat to saving money.
(Internal Link Suggestion: If you are going the Non-PTA route, you'll need a solid secondary device. Check out our list of https://www.empooria.com/2025/12/top-5-best-mobiles-under-50000-pkr-in.html .)
Pros & Cons of Paying the Tax
Is it worth clearing the dues? Here is the breakdown.
- Pros (Tax Paid):
- Peace of Mind: No fear of the SIM blocking notification.
- Resale Value: PTA-approved phones sell instantly and hold value much better.
- Sim Functionality: You can use your primary number, banking OTPs, and data without a hotspot device.
- Insurance: You can only insure official PTA-approved devices.
- Cons (Tax Paid):
- The Cost: It literally doubles the price of the phone.
- Hard to Recover: When you sell the phone, you rarely get the full tax amount back.
How to Generate Your PSID for Payment
Don't trust a shopkeeper to tell you the tax. Do it yourself to avoid getting ripped off.
- Dial *8484# on your mobile.
- Select "Register Mobile Device."
- Choose your category (Pakistani Local / International Traveler).
- Enter your CNIC and IMEI numbers (Find IMEI by dialing *#06#).
- You will receive an SMS with the PSID code and the exact amount.
- Pay via any Banking App (HBL, Meezan, Sadapay) under the "GoP/FBR" bill payment section.
Conclusion
The PTA tax situation on the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series is a harsh reality of our current economic landscape. While we all wish for a reduction in these duties, for now, these are the numbers we have to live with.
If you have the budget, paying the tax is always the better long-term option for reliability. If not, the Non-PTA life with a secondary hotspot phone is the new normal for thousands of Pakistanis.
What do you think? Is the government justified in charging luxury tax, or is it hurting the digital growth of Pakistan? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I pay PTA tax in installments?
Officially, the FBR does not offer an installment plan. You have to pay the full PSID amount. However, some third-party services and credit cards (like Alfa Mall) offer installment plans for PTA approval, but they charge a markup.
Will PTA taxes decrease in 2026?
It is unlikely. PTA taxes are linked to the dollar rate and regulatory duties. Unless the dollar crashes significantly or the government removes the "Luxury" tag from smartphones, taxes will likely remain high.
What happens if I don't pay the tax?
Your phone's SIM slots will be blocked after 60 days of first use. The phone itself will not be blocked; you can still use Wi-Fi, apps, and cameras. It essentially becomes an iPod Touch.
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