PTA cracks down on mobile fraud: Blocks million fake devices

PTA cracks down on mobile fraud: Blocks million fake devices

July, 27 2025

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified efforts to combat mobile device fraud and theft.

PTA has blocked over 826,000 stolen phones and identified and disabled 55 million fake or replica devices through its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

These measures aim to make sure that only genuine devices operate on Pakistan s mobile networks, and it also aims to safeguard consumers.

Parallel to these regulatory actions, significant growth has been experienced by Pakistan s local mobile manufacturing sector, as over 136 million mobile handsets have been produced and assembled domestically since 2019, with 37% being smartphones.

Key Manufacturing Milestones:

In 2019, there were 11.74 million units
In 2020, there were 13.05 million units (11% increase)
In 2021, there were 24.66 million units (89% increase)
In 2022, there were 21.94 million units
In 2023, there were 21.28 million units
In 2024, there were 31.38 million units (47% increase)
2025 (Jan–May): 12.05 million units produced

In 2024, Mobile Device Manufacturers (MDMs) handled 59% of smartphone manufacturing, indicating increased industry participation and investment in domestic production infrastructure.

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There has been a significant reduction in mobile imports due to the surge in local production. The drop in commercial imports from 16.28 million units in 2019 to just 0.76 million units in the first five months of 2025 has highlighted the decline in mobile imports.

Dependence on imports has decreased significantly, as currently, over 94% of Pakistan’s mobile phone market demand is met through local manufacturing.

This significant reduction in mobile imports has increased the growth of the local mobile manufacturing sector and has, in turn, had a positive impact on Pakistan s economy.
36 manufacturing facilities and the creation of 60,000 jobs across the country have been established by the industry.

Moreover, Rs83.04 billion has been received by the Government of Pakistan under the individual import category from January 2019 to June 2025, as per PTA figures.

The PTA s efforts focus on enhancing consumer protection and promoting the use of genuine, high-quality mobile devices in Pakistan by blocking stolen and fake devices, coupled with the growth of local manufacturing.

Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the PTA and to verify the authenticity of their devices.