The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public notice warning about the use and sale of unregistered mobile phones. The notice states that devices not registered through the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) could lead to legal action. Using such phones breaks existing laws and can threaten national security. PTA stressed that unregistered devices weaken regulatory rules and create safety concerns for the country.
The notice lists several issues caused by unregistered phones. These include breaking PTA rules, putting national security at risk, causing disruptions in mobile networks, and making users’ data more vulnerable. PTA also warned that these devices help with financial scams and cybercrimes. The growing presence of such phones worries authorities.
Only phones registered through DIRBS and with all taxes paid to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are legal in Pakistan. The notice also mentions the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Under this law, selling, buying, or promoting unregistered, duplicate, or cloned phones is a crime. Locally, these phones are called patched phones.
PTA says the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is working with them to stop illegal phone trading. They are conducting raids, making arrests, seizing unauthorized devices, and prosecuting offenders. The goal is to break apart the networks selling these illegal phones.
PTA asks people not to buy or sell unregistered phones. Citizens are encouraged to report such activities. Complaints can be made through the FIA online portal or PTA’s official website.
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