The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that mobile phones not registered with the official system will soon be blocked from local mobile networks.

Users are strongly advised to check and register their devices through the DIRBS system to avoid service disruption.

If your mobile phone is not registered with PTA, your SIM may stop working, and you won’t be able to:

• Make or receive calls
• Send or receive text messages
• Use mobile data (3G/4G/5G)

PTA has urged everyone to check their device’s registration status using the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

You can check your phone s status here: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk

Why Is PTA Doing This?

PTA says this step is necessary for national security. Unregistered or illegally imported phones:

• May be used in financial frauds and cybercrime
• Often have tampered IMEIs (the unique number assigned to every phone)
• Are not traceable, making them dangerous if used in criminal activities

The authority stressed that buying, selling, or even using such phones is illegal and can result in penalties or legal action.

In recent weeks, PTA has raided mobile shops across the country that were found selling patched phones or phones with fake or modified IMEIs.

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PTA has made it clear:

“Tampered or unregistered phones are a direct threat to the digital ecosystem and must be eliminated from the market.”

What Should Mobile Users Do Now?

PTA has advised all users to take the following actions immediately:

•  Check your phone’s IMEI status on the DIRBS website or by texting your IMEI to 8484
•  Register your phone if it’s not already registered
•  Do not buy mobile phones from unauthorized sellers
•  Avoid imported or patched phones without PTA approval

If your device is found to be unregistered and you continue to use it, PTA may block your phone and take legal action against you.

Limited Time to Comply:

PTA has warned that users have a short window of time to register their phones. Once the deadline passes, there will be no exceptions, and unregistered phones will be permanently blocked from all local networks.

Final Word from PTA:

“This is not just about phone registration; it’s about protecting users, strengthening network security, and stopping illegal phone trade.”