The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that all mobile phones not registered through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) will be blocked from local telecom networks.
PTA says this move is essential to safeguard national security, curb cybercrime, and prevent financial fraud, claiming unregistered devices have often been used in illicit activities. Under existing laws, possession, sale or operation of such unregistered devices is illegal and may lead to legal action.
Citizens are being urged to check their mobile device’s registration status via DIRBS and complete registration if needed to retain mobile network access. PTA has warned that failure to comply may result in service suspension.
Unregistered phones will lose access to calls, SMS, and internet services. People are advised not to buy or sell unregistered phones, noting that these cannot be legally operated.
Mobile devices operating outside DIRBS are viewed by regulators as a loophole for crime—cloned or invalid IMEIs often underpin smuggling, fraud, or other digital wrongdoing. Blocking unregistered devices is intended to tighten oversight, improve consumer protection, and restore trust in the telecom system.
DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) has been the tool used by PTA since 2018 to enforce device registration in Pakistan. It has been instrumental in identifying illegal imports and smuggled mobile phones, ensuring that IMEI numbers are valid, and collecting appropriate taxes/duties.
Earlier this year, PTA made it mandatory that any unregistered mobile phone could only be used for 60 days, after which it would be blocked unless registered.
Authorities are yet to fix an official deadline for when blocking starts in full. Users are advised to check their device status now to avoid disruption.
