The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong warning to the public, cautioning against the use of unregistered, JV (joint venture), or cloned mobile phones.
According to PTA, individuals found using or trading such unauthorized devices could face strict legal action, including arrests, confiscation of phones, and heavy penalties.
In its awareness campaign, PTA emphasized that all mobile devices must be registered through its Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to be considered legal in Pakistan. The registration process ensures payment of applicable taxes to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and compliance with national laws.
The authority highlighted that the use of unregistered mobile phones not only violates PTA regulations but also poses serious risks. These devices can compromise national security, affect mobile network performance, and jeopardize user data and privacy. Additionally, they are often linked with financial scams and cyber fraud, making them a growing concern for both the government and consumers.
Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, the sale, purchase, or promotion of JV, duplicate, or cloned phones is a punishable offense. PTA clarified that only mobile phones duly registered through DIRBS after paying all FBR taxes will be allowed on Pakistani networks.
To curb the spread of illegal devices, PTA is working closely with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Joint operations are being conducted, which include raids, arrests, confiscation of unauthorized mobile phones, and other punishments for offenders.
PTA has also urged citizens to play their part by avoiding the sale or purchase of unregistered mobile phones. Concerned individuals are encouraged to report such illegal activities at https://complaint.fia.gov.pk or through the official PTA website, http://www.pta.gov.pk.
The authority concluded its message with a call for collective responsibility: “Let’s join hands together for a safe, secure, and law-abiding Digital Pakistan.”
This latest warning serves as a reminder to mobile users across the country to check the registration status of their devices and ensure compliance to avoid legal trouble.