ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a scheduled technical network upgrade that will temporarily impact mobile device registration services across the country.
The maintenance window is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM on June 24, 2026, and is expected to conclude by 6:00 AM on June 25, 2026. According to the telecom regulator, the system-wide upgrade is designed to enhance network security, structural stability, and overall system performance.
During this maintenance timeframe, users may experience intermittent disruptions or complete temporary outages when accessing the Mobile Device Registration System (MDRS). The PTA stated that its technical teams will actively monitor the implementation process to minimize customer inconvenience, and all services will be fully restored immediately upon completion of the upgrade.
Installment Facility for Mobile Taxes Approved
This technical upgrade follows major legislative changes regarding mobile device registration in Pakistan. The National Assembly recently passed the Finance Bill 2026–27, introduced by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, which officially legalizes an installment payment facility for PTA taxes on imported smartphones.
Under the newly approved legal framework, individuals registering imported mobile phone devices through the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) can split their heavy tax liabilities into structured installments. The legal provision applies to both brand-new and used imported mobile phones, with the payment facility set to go into effect on July 1, 2026. However, the bill specifies that all outstanding installments must be fully cleared before the end of the fiscal year in which the device was imported.
