Overseas Pakistanis guide
eSIM for Non-PTA Phones: Mobile Data in Pakistan for Overseas Pakistanis
Coming home to Pakistan from the UK, Gulf, Europe or North America with a phone you bought abroad? Here is how to get mobile internet from the moment you land, without PTA tax, CNIC checks or a SIM shop.
Quick answer
Yes. The MusafirSIM Pakistan eSIM is an international, data-only eSIM. It is not a physical SIM card and not a local Pakistani SIM. It runs on international roaming over the Zong and Jazz networks, and PTA allows roaming phones without registration. Use WhatsApp for calls and messages.
Why do non-PTA phones stop working in Pakistan?
PTA's DIRBS system checks the IMEI of every phone using a Pakistani SIM. A phone bought abroad that is not registered works on a local SIM only for a short grace period, then the local SIM stops working in it. Phones on international roaming are treated differently: PTA lets them keep working without registration. A travel eSIM is a roaming connection, which is why it works.
Your options compared
| Option | What you need | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register the phone with PTA (pay tax) | IMEI registration and the PTA/FBR tax for your model | Tax can be high on newer phones | Moving back or very long stays |
| Free temporary registration (up to 120 days) | Pakistani SIM in your own name, CNIC/NICOP, passport, and an online application on the PTA DIRBS portal | Free | Visitors who need a local Pakistani number |
| MusafirSIM travel eSIM | An unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. No CNIC, no SIM shop, no registration | Plan price only | Visitors who mainly need data, from the moment they land |
PTA rules can change. Check the official PTA DIRBS portal for the latest registration rules.
What you get with the MusafirSIM Pakistan eSIM
- Zong and Jazz networks, two of Pakistan's largest 4G networks.
- Fixed plans from 1 GB (7 days) to 20 GB (30 days), and unlimited data plans from 3 to 30 days.
- Data only: WhatsApp calls and video calls work normally on your same number.
- Instant delivery: QR code by email and in your MusafirSIM account.
Is my phone compatible?
Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. Most iPhones from XS / XR onwards and many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models support eSIM. Quick check: dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
How to set it up
Before you fly
- Choose a Pakistan plan and pay online. Your QR code arrives by email.
- On Wi-Fi, scan the QR code. iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
- Name the line "Pakistan" and leave it switched off until you land.
When you land in Pakistan
- Switch on the Pakistan eSIM line.
- Set it as your mobile data line and turn on Data Roaming for it.
- Turn off mobile data on your home SIM so it does not use expensive roaming data.
Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work on a non-PTA phone in Pakistan?
Yes. Our Pakistan eSIM connects on international roaming over the Zong and Jazz networks. PTA allows phones on international roaming to keep working without registration, so a non-PTA phone gets data normally.
Is this the same as a Jazz or Zong eSIM from a franchise?
No. A Jazz or Zong eSIM bought in Pakistan is a local Pakistani SIM: it needs your CNIC, biometric verification and a PTA-registered phone. The MusafirSIM eSIM is an international data-only eSIM that roams on Zong and Jazz, so it needs no CNIC and works on non-PTA phones.
Will my phone be blocked in Pakistan?
A non-registered phone gets blocked on a local Pakistani SIM after a short grace period. A roaming travel eSIM is not a local SIM, so the eSIM keeps working. If you also want to use a Pakistani SIM, apply for PTA temporary registration.
Do I need a CNIC or biometric verification to buy it?
No. You buy the eSIM online with your email address and install it with a QR code. No CNIC, biometric or SIM shop visit is needed.
Do I get a Pakistani phone number?
No. The eSIM is data only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages. Keep your own SIM in the phone for bank OTP codes from your home country.
Is there an unlimited data plan for Pakistan?
Yes. Along with fixed data plans (1 GB to 20 GB), we offer unlimited data plans from 3 to 30 days, which suit long family visits and heavy video calling.
Non PTA mobile mein internet kaise chalayen?
Pakistan aane se pehle MusafirSIM ka Pakistan eSIM khareedein aur QR code scan kar ke install kar lein. Pakistan pohanch kar eSIM line aur Data Roaming on karein. PTA registration ki zaroorat nahi, kyunke eSIM roaming par chalta hai.
Coming home soon?
Land in Pakistan with mobile data ready, on any unlocked eSIM phone.
Choose a Pakistan plan