Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Zonal Office in Faisalabad, in joint operation with NCCIA Faisalabad, carried out a successful raid at a mobile phone shop located in the D-Ground Dragon Mall mobile market. The action was part of ongoing efforts to counter the illegal sale and distribution of cloned mobile phones and the tampering of IMEI numbers. During the raid, two cloned mobile devices were recovered and confiscated by authorities. The shop owner, who was involved in the unauthorized trade of these devices, was detained by NCCIA for further investigation. Authorities are now working to trace any additional inventory linked to the case.
PTA has reiterated its strict stance against the illegal manipulation of mobile device identifiers. IMEI tampering and device cloning are serious offenses that compromise national security and pose public safety risks. Such practices are known to assist in concealing criminal identities, enabling activities like cybercrime, fraud, and even abductions. Regulatory enforcement is being intensified to tackle these threats with greater urgency, and PTA confirms that any individuals or businesses found involved in such operations will be held legally accountable.
This action in Faisalabad is part of PTA’s broader enforcement strategy to monitor and curb the circulation of unregistered and cloned handsets within Pakistan. It is working in collaboration with local and federal authorities to identify and dismantle networks that contribute to the illegal mobile device trade. The agency continues to enhance its compliance frameworks and technical mechanisms to detect and block cloned or tampered devices from operating on local networks.
PTA also urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to mobile device cloning or IMEI alteration. The authority has advised the public to purchase mobile phones only from authorized dealers and to always verify IMEI numbers through official channels before buying a new or used handset. This not only ensures the authenticity of the device but also contributes to national efforts to eliminate the presence of illegal devices in the market.
By reinforcing field-level inspections and working closely with enforcement agencies, PTA aims to uphold the integrity of Pakistan’s telecom networks. This latest raid demonstrates its proactive approach to safeguarding digital infrastructure and reducing vulnerabilities that criminal actors may exploit. The cooperation between PTA and NCCIA reflects a commitment to ensure a safer and more secure mobile environment for users across the country.
