It is essential for Pakistani citizens traveling to or from Pakistan to know the rules about carrying mobile phones. Are the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s baggage rules, or their amendments, applicable only to overseas Pakistanis, or do they apply to all Pakistani citizens returning from abroad?
To answer these questions, Urdu News reviewed the FBR’s Baggage Rules 2006, which apply to all citizens entering Pakistan from abroad, including overseas Pakistanis and those who travel abroad for short or extended periods.
How Many Mobile Phones Can Be Brought from Abroad?
According to the Baggage Rules 2006, travelers can bring one mobile phone for personal use and one additional phone duty-free. However, citizens may carry more than two phones by paying applicable duties.
FBR has observed that many travelers frequently bring multiple mobile phones under the guise of personal use and fail to pay full taxes on them. This practice has prompted the FBR to propose amendments to the baggage rules. Previously, the FBR had issued a notification restricting the clearance of more than one phone even after paying duties, but this was later withdrawn. Now, the amendments are being revisited.
What Is Meant by “Personal Mobile Phone”?
Under the Baggage Rules 2006, a “personal mobile phone” refers to phones already in active use by travelers. For example, if a citizen departs Pakistan with one phone but returns with three active phones, they will still be considered personal devices.
Allowance for Laptops
The Baggage Rules 2006 also allow citizens to bring one laptop for personal use without paying taxes or duties. Any additional laptops, however, are subject to duties before clearance.
Expert Opinions on the Amendments
Former Minister of State and tax expert Ashfaq Tola finds no logical basis for the proposed amendments. He stated that importing mobile phones is not a significant issue since any phone in Pakistan must be registered with the PTA and subject to relevant duties to function long-term.
Tola also highlighted the complexity of defining a “personal mobile phone” and the enforcement challenges such rules could pose.
Senior journalist Farhan Bokhari criticized the FBR’s decision-making, pointing out that drafting and withdrawing amendments raises serious questions about the board’s processes. He questioned the necessity of further amendments when the existing law already limits the duty-free allowance to one additional phone.
Bokhari warned that stringent regulations could encourage illegal channels for importing mobile phones, exacerbating the issue rather than resolving it.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate around the FBR’s baggage rules highlights the need for clear, enforceable policies that address the concerns of both travelers and the authorities without creating unnecessary hurdles. Whether these proposed amendments will resolve the issue or complicate matters remains to be seen.
