The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued guidance on blocking mobile phones that are lost, stolen or snatched and restoring their service after recovery.
The process is handled through the Lost and Stolen Device System (LSDS). Users can file a blocking complaint through the PTA Complaint Management System app for Android and iOS or through the authority’s online complaint portal.
To submit a complaint, users need to provide their name, father’s name, CNIC number, city, the mobile number used in the handset during the previous six months, IMEI number, phone brand, model and color. The incident’s reason, location and date are also required. Email, postal address and FIR details are optional.
The SIM used in the handset must be registered in the complainant’s name against their CNIC.
PTA said it cannot process a blocking request for a phone that has never been used with a Pakistani SIM. The OTP required for the complaint will be sent to the SIM previously used in the handset.
For PTA-approved handsets carrying two IMEIs, blocking one IMEI will also block the other, even when only one SIM slot was in use.
Complaints will also need to be resubmitted if the IMEI and mobile number information does not match.
Users who cannot submit complaints online can contact PTA at 0800-55055 or visit a PTA office. A phone can be blocked even if it was lost a long time ago, provided the owner has the correct IMEI and required information.
IMEI status can be checked by sending the number to 8484, through the DIRBS website or using the Device Verification System app.
A phone blocked through LSDS will stop working on mobile networks across Pakistan. PTA clarified that the system only blocks the device and does not locate or recover stolen phones. Owners should contact the police or Citizens-Police Liaison Committee for recovery.
If the blocked phone is recovered, the original complainant must submit the unblocking request through the complaint system. The request requires the original complaint reference number and CNIC.
PTA will verify the request and said the device’s IMEI is expected to be unblocked within 24 hours.
