PTA Launches Crackdown on Illegal Phones: Users May Face Legal Consequences

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a crackdown on illegal phones in the country. It has reminded the public that using illegal, tampered, or cloned mobile phones is a serious crime under Pakistani law. This includes any phone with a fake or altered IMEI number.

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Such actions are considered criminal offenses under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The law is clear: using a non-compliant mobile phone can lead to heavy fines, jail time, or both. According to the PTA, offenders may be fined up to PKR 1 million or face up to three years in prison. In some cases, both penalties may apply. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is working with PTA to take legal action. This includes confiscating the illegal phones.

Every mobile phone has a unique code known as the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). This number helps track the device and proves its authenticity. However, some people or sellers illegally change or “patch” this IMEI number. This is usually done to make a smuggled or blocked phone work on local networks.

Sometimes, people buy such phones without knowing they are illegal. They may purchase them from grey-market dealers or online sellers. But PTA has made it clear that not knowing the law is not an excuse. Everyone must take responsibility and make sure their device is legally registered.

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To stop the use of non-compliant phones, the PTA uses a special system called DIRBS (Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System). This system checks whether a phone is legal and allowed to work in Pakistan. If a device is not approved by PTA, it won’t work on any mobile network in the country.