PTA system now detects unregistered mobile phones and illegal devices

The system can identify devices that are unregistered, illegal or fail to meet regulatory requirements.

The Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System, known as DIRBS, is used to identify and block non-compliant mobile devices. PTA said the system helps prevent illegally imported phones from accessing local mobile networks.

How to check a mobile phone

Consumers can check a phone’s IMEI number before buying it to confirm whether the device is approved. The IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06# on the handset.

Users can also find the IMEI on the phone’s original packaging or through the device settings. The number can then be sent by SMS to 8484 to check its registration status.

PTA expands online content crackdown

PTA has also blocked more than 1.54 million URLs over the past decade as part of its action against unlawful and inappropriate online content. The authority said the measures are aimed at creating a safer digital environment for internet users in Pakistan.

More than 1.065 million URLs containing content considered against moral and ethical standards were blocked. The reported action rate against such material reached 90 per cent.

Platform-wise blocking

The authority blocked around 230,000 links on Facebook and 170,000 on TikTok. More than 74,000 links were blocked on X, while over 66,000 URLs were blocked on YouTube.

PTA also blocked around 50,000 URLs on WhatsApp and more than 45,000 on Instagram. The YouTube blocking rate was reported at 88.6 per cent.

Security-related content targeted

More than 141,000 URLs linked to terrorism were blocked during the period under review. Another 74,000-plus URLs were removed for content considered against national security and defence.

The authority also removed 112,482 URLs containing content against Islam. More than 52,000 URLs linked to sectarianism and hate speech were blocked as well.

Proxy websites face strict action

PTA also took action against proxy websites as part of its online monitoring efforts. The authority reported a blocking rate of 99.99 per cent against such websites.

During the period, PTA processed more than 1.7 million complaints. More than 76,000 complaints remained under review, while over 100,000 requests were rejected.

The DIRBS system gives mobile buyers a simple way to check whether a phone is approved before spending money. Checking the IMEI can help consumers avoid devices that may later lose access to local networks.

The wider PTA figures also show the growing scale of online content monitoring in Pakistan. The authority is continuing to expand its enforcement and complaint-handling operations across major digital platforms.

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