All unregistered mobile phones will soon be prohibited from accessing local networks, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Citizens have been urged to register their handsets through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to avoid service disruption.
According to the PTA, unregistered devices pose risks to national security and can be misused in cyber and financial crimes. According to the regulations in place, purchasing, selling, or using such handsets is against the law and could result in penalties, the authority emphasized.
Additionally, the PTA has previously issued severe warnings regarding handsets with tampered IMEIs, JV (joint venture/clone) devices, and patched phones.
According to the regulator, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016 makes it a criminal offense to alter or clone IMEIs, also known as device identifiers.
Individuals found involved in such practices could face heavy fines, imprisonment, or both. Recent enforcement actions in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and other cities have already led to FIRs, raids on illegal shops, and the seizure of cloned and patched phones.
The PTA has advised consumers to confirm the registration status of their phones on the DIRBS portal and complete the registration process if necessary. Additionally, officials have cautioned that a device cannot be restored to any local network unless the appropriate legal compliance is met.
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