ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a crackdown against the use of tampered, cloned, or otherwise illegal mobile devices across the country, with a stern warning that the violators may face heavy penalties.
The mobile users have been reminded of the government steps against the use of patched mobile phones which the PTA said is a criminal offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
According to a recent PTA warning, the authority emphasised that anyone found using non-compliant or “patched” devices, particularly those with altered IMEI numbers, can face fines of up to PKR1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in collaboration with PTA, is authorised to take action, including confiscation of the device, according to the PTA.
Mobile IMEI tampering
At the heart of the issue is the illegal practice of IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) tampering — altering a mobile phone’s unique identity to bypass the PTA registration which is mandatory in Pakistan. Some users usually purchase such phones through grey-market, knowingly it’s illegal and invite serious consequences.
PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) plays a central role in filtering out non-compliant devices.
Mobile phones that are legally imported only and registered with the PTA function on local mobile networks.
How to check if phone is PTA-approved
To ensure using a legal mobile device, PTA advises all users to verify the device status before use.
Here’s how can one do it: Online: Visit https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
SMS: Send your device’s 15-digit IMEI number to 8484
App: Use the official PTA Device Registration Guide app on Android
PTA has advised users to look for a clear “PTA Approved” label when purchasing new phones, especially from online sellers or unofficial retailers, to avoid any legal issues or service disruptions.
