The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a stern public notice warning against the use, sale, and promotion of unregistered mobile phones, particularly CPID and “patched” devices, across the country. The authority has made it clear that individuals or businesses involved in such practices could now face legal action under existing laws, including provisions in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
According to the official notice released by PTA, mobile phones that are not registered via the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) are considered non-compliant and therefore illegal for use in Pakistan. The authority emphasized that the increasing prevalence of these unregistered devices poses serious threats to national security, disrupts mobile network performance, and undermines regulatory enforcement mechanisms.
PTA’s notice outlines a range of issues associated with these devices. Chief among them are violations of telecom regulations, heightened vulnerability to financial and cyber fraud, and privacy risks for users. Unregistered phones, often marketed under the guise of imported or “patched” phones, bypass standard checks and frequently contain cloned or tampered firmware, making them difficult to trace and secure.
The term “patched phones” in the Pakistani market typically refers to modified or tampered handsets, including CPID devices or cloned International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers that allow non-PTA-approved phones to function on local networks. PTA has reiterated that only devices properly registered through DIRBS and cleared for import after payment of taxes to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are authorized for use in the country.
In a coordinated effort with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the PTA is now launching operations to clamp down on the illegal mobile phone trade. This joint initiative will involve targeted raids, arrests, seizure of unauthorized mobile devices, and prosecution of offenders involved in importing, selling, or promoting such products.
Authorities warn that action will not be limited to retailers or distributors—individual users found in possession of patched or illegal phones could also face legal consequences. The notice specifically cites the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, under which the distribution and marketing of unauthorized mobile phones is a punishable offense.
To curb this issue, PTA is urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing any phone that is not DIRBS-verified. Consumers are advised to verify the status of any mobile phone through PTA’s official DIRBS platform before making a purchase. The public has also been encouraged to report instances of illegal device sales or usage through the FIA’s cybercrime reporting portal or via PTA’s official website.
This crackdown signals a significant push by Pakistan’s telecom regulator to eliminate the gray market for mobile devices, safeguard digital privacy, and strengthen national cyber resilience. As mobile penetration continues to rise in Pakistan, such regulatory enforcement is seen as critical in building a secure and compliant mobile ecosystem.
