The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public notice cautioning citizens against the use and sale of unregistered mobile phones, highlighting the legal and security risks associated with such devices.

According to the notice, mobile phones not registered through PTA’s Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) may lead to legal action under existing laws. The authority stressed that unregistered devices undermine regulatory compliance and pose significant threats to national security.

PTA outlined several consequences of using unregistered phones, including violations of telecom regulations, disruption of mobile network performance, increased vulnerability to data breaches, and heightened risks of financial and cyber fraud. The authority also noted that these devices, often referred to as patched phones in local markets, facilitate illegal activities and compromise user privacy.

Only devices registered through DIRBS and cleared of all applicable taxes with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are considered legal for use in Pakistan.

The notice referenced the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, under which the sale, purchase, or promotion of unregistered, joint venture (JV), duplicate, or cloned devices is a punishable offense.

PTA revealed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in collaboration with the authority, is actively cracking down on the illegal mobile phone trade. Ongoing operations include raids, arrests, confiscation of unauthorized devices, and criminal proceedings against offenders, with the aim of dismantling networks distributing non-compliant phones nationwide.

PTA has urged the public to avoid buying or selling unregistered mobile phones and encouraged citizens to report any such activity through the FIA’s online portal or the PTA’s official website.