iPhone 17 Series: PTA Tax & Registration Guide (October 2025)
What is PTA / DIRBS Tax?
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In Pakistan, every imported mobile device (including iPhones) must be registered with PTA / DIRBS (Device Identification Registration & Blocking System). Without registration, the device will be blocked from using local SIMs (calls, SMS, mobile data).
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The PTA tax depends on whether registration is done via CNIC (for residents) or Passport (for travellers / overseas Pakistanis). Typically, Passport-based registration has a lower tax.
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The tax is calculated based on customs valuation, exchange rates, and a combination of duties, sales tax, regulatory duty, withholding tax, and other levies.
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The published PTA tax amounts are estimates and may vary by ~5–10% based on exchange rate fluctuations or FBR updates.
Estimated PTA Tax for iPhone 17 Series (Oct 2025)
According to PhoneWorld, the following are the estimated taxes for iPhone 17 variants.
| iPhone Model | PTA Tax (Passport Registration) | PTA Tax (CNIC Registration) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (base) | PKR 149,640 | PKR 164,604 |
| iPhone 17 Air | PKR 156,322 | PKR 172,377 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | PKR 190,679 | PKR 209,747 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | PKR 204,954 | PKR 225,449 |
Notes & Details
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You must pay the tax within 30 days (for Passport registration) or 60 days (for CNIC registration) after import/activation.
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Overseas Pakistanis / travellers can use temporary registration (for ~120 days) without paying full duties immediately.
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These values are approximate and reflect the current published estimates as of 2025. Prices may shift with currency or policy changes.
What to Keep in Mind
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Timing & Deadlines
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Missing the registration window may result in higher fines or blocking of the IMEI.
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Always check your IMEI and find out required tax before importing a phone.
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Passport vs CNIC Route
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Passport route is cheaper but usually limited to those entering the country or for overseas Pakistanis.
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CNIC route applies to local purchases or import-based registration.
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Exchange Rate Risk
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Since computation is based on USD-to-PKR, exchange rate fluctuations can affect the final payable tax.
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Temporary / Tourist Exemptions
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Some exemptions or grace periods might apply for travellers, but they are time-bound.
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Policy Updates
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Always check PTA / FBR’s official portal for the latest valuation tables.
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Comparison of Apple iPhone Variants (iPhone 17 & Generations)
Below is a comparison table highlighting key distinguishing features across recent iPhone variants (e.g. 17, 17 Air, Pro, Pro Max). (These are typical differentiators; actual specs may evolve.)
| Feature / Spec | iPhone 17 (Base) | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size / Type | ~6.1″ / OLED | ~6.1″ / lighter OLED design | ~6.1″ / ProMotion / LTPO | ~6.7″ / ProMotion / LTPO |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz — 120 Hz (depending) | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Rear Camera Setup | Dual or triple depending on generation | Enhanced dual / triple | Triple + LiDAR / advanced sensors | Enhanced triple + LiDAR / periscope lens |
| Front / Selfie Cam | Standard wide / ultrawide | Possibly lighter module | Better low-light performance | Best in class among variants |
| Processor / Chipset | Latest A-series chip (e.g. A21) | Same chip, but optimized for efficiency | Enhanced GPU / Neural Engine | Highest performance / thermal margin |
| Battery / Endurance | Good all-round | Slightly better efficiency | Moderate-high (balanced with features) | Best battery among 17 series |
| Build / Materials | Aluminium / Stainless steel | More lightweight materials | Stainless / Titanium / premium finish | Premium materials + durability features |
| Charging / Ports | USB-C or Lightning (depending) | Same but maybe lighter | Faster wired / MagSafe | Highest charging & battery support |
| Additional Features | Basic flagship features | Improved heat management, lighter design | Pro features (e.g. ProRes, higher frame capture) | All Pro features + extra telephoto, bigger display, better battery |
(This is a generic features comparison — exact specs will depend on Apple’s final release.)