The mandate of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is to facilitate the general public, and also to ensure that mobile devices that are being imported conform to technical standards laid down by international standardization bodies and do not pose any health or frequency issues in licensed spectrum being used in Pakistan. As per Telecommunications Act 1996 & Regulation.
However, contrary reports by media state that PTA has not imposed any restriction on import of mobile devices whether new or used. Therefore, in light of the decision made by the federal cabinet, PTA has complied with the directives and Type Approval Regulations, DIRBS regulations & SOP have been amended.
According to the new policy all entities that are planning to import a type approved model (new or used) can do so from ease of their location by submitting documents via PTA online mobile device registration system (DIRBS). PTA has taken this step to create ease of doing business for all and enabling them to apply via automated system.
Furthermore, it has also clarified, that Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSMA) is not an approving authority on mobile phone bodies.