In a bid to tackle the rising trend of illegal mobile phones flooding the Pakistani market, authorities have announced a comprehensive crackdown against non-PTA registered and patched devices.
The move comes in response to significant revenue losses attributed to the widespread use of tampered International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, a practice that circumvents the heavy taxes imposed on mobile phones.
The Pakistani government had earlier implemented customs taxes on mobile phones, particularly targeting high-end devices.
However, the exorbitant Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) registration fees and taxes have prompted consumers to seek alternative, illegal avenues to acquire phones at a lower cost.
IMEI Tampering on the rise
Facing financial burdens from increased taxes, individuals in Pakistan have resorted to tampering with IMEI numbers, an illegal practice that allows them to avoid the PTA registration fees.
Notably, some have even replaced the original IMEI with those from more affordable Nokia keypad phones, effectively tricking the system.
Racket identified
Law enforcement agencies have identified a sophisticated racket involved in the smuggling of mobile phones into Pakistan, primarily from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries.
The illegal importation, coupled with widespread IMEI patching, has resulted in significant losses to the national exchequer, estimated to be worth billions of rupees.
As part of the crackdown, online platforms facilitating IMEI patching services, such as cpidserver.com, are set to be blocked in Pakistan. These portals have played a crucial role in enabling the illegal practice, and authorities are determined to curtail their operations to stem the tide of non-compliant devices in the market.
Critics argue that the hefty PTA registration fees, coupled with the intricate tax structure, have created an environment conducive to the growth of the illegal mobile phone market.
