The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a stern reminder to mobile users across the country: the use of tampered, cloned, or otherwise illegal mobile devices is a criminal offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 — and violators may face serious consequences.
According to the recent announcement, the PTA 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.
IMEI tampering
At the heart of the issue is the illegal practice of IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) tampering — altering a phone’s unique identity to bypass PTA registration. While some users unknowingly purchase such phones through grey-market dealers, the law does not exempt ignorance.
View this post on Instagram
PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) plays a central role in filtering out non-compliant devices. Only mobile phones that are legally imported and registered can function on local mobile networks.
How to check if your phone is officially PTA approved
View this post on Instagram
To ensure you’re using a legitimate mobile device, PTA advises all users to verify the device status before use. Here’s how you can 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 further advises 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.
