The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a firm reminder to mobile phone users across the nation: the use of any tampered, cloned, or otherwise unlawful mobile devices constitutes a criminal offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 — and those who violate this law could face severe penalties.
According to the recent announcement, the PTA underscored that individuals found using non-compliant or “patched” devices, particularly those with altered IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, may be subject to fines reaching up to PKR 1 million, imprisonment for a term of up to three years, or both. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in collaboration with the PTA, is authorised to take enforcement actions, including the confiscation of the involved devices.
IMEI Tampering Explained At the core of this issue lies the illicit practice of IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) tampering — which involves altering a phone’s unique identification number to circumvent PTA registration protocols. While some consumers may unknowingly purchase such devices through grey-market channels, the law does not provide an exemption based on a lack of awareness.
The PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) plays a crucial role in identifying and filtering out devices that do not comply with regulations. Only mobile phones that have been legally imported and duly registered are permitted to operate on local mobile networks.
How to Verify if Your Phone Has Official PTA Approval
To ensure the legitimacy of your mobile device, the PTA advises all users to check the device’s status before using it. Here’s how you can perform this verification:
Online: Visit the website at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk SMS: Send your device’s 15-digit IMEI number via text message to 8484 App: Utilize the official PTA Device Registration Guide application available on Android devices
Furthermore, the PTA recommends that users look for a clear “PTA Approved” sticker or label when purchasing new mobile phones, especially from online vendors or unofficial retailers, to prevent any potential legal complications or service interruptions.
