Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocked close to 100 million mobile devices during the financial year 2024 to 25, according to details shared in its latest annual report. The blocked devices included around 868,000 handsets reported as lost or stolen, approximately 72 million fake or replica devices, and nearly 27 million mobile phones found using duplicated or cloned IMEIs. The figures highlight the scale of enforcement activity carried out by PTA as part of its broader effort to regulate the mobile ecosystem and ensure compliance across telecom networks in Pakistan.
According to the report, a central role in this enforcement has been played by the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System, which operates under the broader Mobile Device Management framework. PTA stated that DIRBS has significantly strengthened the MDM ecosystem by curbing the inflow of counterfeit and non compliant devices into the country. The authority noted that the system has enhanced consumer protection by ensuring that only verified devices are allowed to operate on local networks, while also helping formalize the mobile handset market. PTA added that consistent enforcement through DIRBS has supported transparency across the supply chain and contributed meaningfully to government revenues by discouraging undocumented imports and grey market activity.
The report also highlighted the role of the Mobile Device Management Regulations 2021, which were developed on the foundation of DIRBS. These regulations enabled the localization of mobile device assembly and manufacturing in Pakistan, triggering rapid expansion in domestic production capacity. PTA stated that since the introduction of the regulations, the local manufacturing ecosystem has grown substantially. By 2025, more than 95 percent of mobile devices operating on Pakistani networks were locally manufactured, including 68 percent of smartphones. This shift was described as a clear move toward import substitution, reduced reliance on foreign supply, and improved industrial self reliance within the telecom and electronics sectors.
PTA further reported that a total of 36 manufacturing authorizations have been issued to both local and international companies to date. These include well known global brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, reflecting increased confidence in Pakistan’s manufacturing environment. The authority noted that the growing presence of international brands has strengthened technical capabilities, improved quality standards, and supported job creation across the value chain. Fiscal contributions have also increased alongside manufacturing growth, with over Rs. 83 billion collected through individual category mobile device registrations since 2019. These revenues were attributed to improved compliance, stronger documentation, and the integration of DIRBS with taxation mechanisms.
In its assessment, PTA stated that the reinforced local manufacturing base has improved economic resilience and positioned Pakistan as a potential participant in the regional mobile phone value chain. The authority added that sustained enforcement through DIRBS has helped establish a more secure, transparent, and self sustaining digital ecosystem. By limiting the circulation of fake, cloned, and unregistered devices, PTA said it has improved network security, protected consumers, and supported long term sector stability. The annual report underscored that continued regulatory oversight, combined with local manufacturing growth, remains central to strengthening Pakistan’s telecom and digital infrastructure.
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