Assalam-o-Alaikum friends!
Finally, some real relief for mobile phone buyers in Pakistan! PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) has officially reduced the valuation (tax base) for several used/high-end smartphones. This means lower customs duties and taxes when importing or registering used phones – leading to significant price drops in the market.
This is not a reduction in tax percentage – the tax slab is still the same. Instead, FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) has lowered the considered value (valuation) of used phones, especially older flagship models. Result? Much lower total tax → cheaper phones!
Here’s the complete update (as of January 21, 2026).
Which Phones Get the Biggest Price Drop?
The major relief is on used flagship phones (imported without box/accessories, already activated for 6+ months). Top affected models:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max → Valuation reduced to $460 (huge drop)
→ Expected price reduction: Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 - iPhone 13 Pro Max → Big reduction
→ Expected price drop: Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000 - iPhone 14 Pro Max → Smaller reduction
→ Expected price drop: Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 - Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S22 series, S21 series
→ S23 Ultra valuation now $510
→ Overall drop: Rs 10,000–20,000 range - Google Pixel series (Pixel 9 Pro XL down to Pixel 7)
→ Massive valuation cut → Expected big relief in market (CPI/PTA gap almost closed) - OnePlus (OnePlus 12, 11, 10 Pro)
→ Good reduction → Prices expected to fall noticeably
Key Points You Must Know
- This applies to used/kit phones only (no box, no accessories, activated 6+ months ago).
- New phones (boxed, sealed) → No change in tax/valuation.
- Commercial importers get the biggest benefit → Market prices will drop gradually (1–1.5 months) as new stock arrives.
- Individual buyers registering phones via DIRBS/PTA → Benefit will reflect slowly.
- CPI/Non-PTA phones (Pixel, Samsung) will become less attractive now – gap with PTA-approved phones is shrinking fast.
Why Did This Happen?
FBR updated valuations to match real international used-market prices (Dubai, etc.). Previously, used flagships were overvalued → high tax → high market prices. Now, valuation is realistic → tax lower → phones cheaper.
Important Note:
This is not a blanket tax cut. It’s a valuation adjustment for used phones only. New phones, boxed imports still taxed on full value.
What Should You Do?
- If planning to buy used flagship (especially iPhone 15/13 Pro Max, S23 Ultra, Pixel) → Wait 1–1.5 months for market prices to settle.
- Check PTA/FBR official announcements or DIRBS portal for exact new valuations.
- Avoid fake news – this is only for used phones, not new ones.
Comment below:
- Which phone are you planning to buy? (iPhone 15 Pro Max, S23 Ultra?)
- Did you already import/register a used phone recently?
Allah sab ko asani se acha phone nasib kare. Ameen!
Thank you for reading!
(Disclaimer: Information based on latest FBR/PTA valuation updates as of January 21, 2026. Exact price drops and market changes may vary – always check official FBR/PTA sources or authorized dealers. This is an informational guide only.)
Muhammad Ramzan is a Pakistani journalist, digital content creator, and blogger with 7 years of experience in online media. He writes clear, well-researched, and easy-to-read articles on Islamic topics, Ramadan initiatives, government welfare programs, and community issues. Known for his authentic and heartfelt style, he connects deeply with readers across Pakistan.
