Tech Desk 
Sep 12, 2025
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned citizens that unregistered mobile phones will be blocked from all local networks if they are not registered soon.
PTA warned citizens to check the status of their device and register their phone on the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). DIRBS is an online service managed by the government to help the user verify whether their device is registered to be used in Pakistan.
However, if a device is not registered, it may not operate on any of the mobile networks in Pakistan.
According to PTA, unregistered phones are a threat to national security and may be used for cybercrime, scams, and other forms of financial criminality.
Moreover, PTA reminded the public that possessing, selling, or using such devices is illegal and constitutes an offence under Pakistan’s telecommunications laws.
How to stay safe from buying patched phones?
The company has also conducted recent raids on repair shops that were tampering with IMEIs and selling patched phones. PTA officials have warned the public not to buy such devices or to use them, because they are not part of the legal telecom system and may be completely blocked at any time.
PTA has given people a limited time to comply with the rule. Citizens are encouraged to visit the DIRBS portal, check their IMEI, and register their phones in Pakistan before the deadline. Those who fail to do so could face service suspension and legal action.
