ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new automated system for the blocking of stolen, snatched and lost cell phones.
According to a statement issued by the PTA on Wednesday, under the new system, the stolen, snatched and lost cell phone will be blocked within 24 hours of reporting after necessary verification.
Titled ‘Lost & Stolen Device System (LSDS)’, the new system will offer ease and facilitation to the users who want to get a mobile phone blocked in case it has been stolen, snatched or lost, PTA said in the statement.
“Complainants can easily file a request with PTA for blocking the IMEI of such handset to prevent it from potential misuse,” it added.
LSDS is an automated system integrated with the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), according to the statement.
If needed to block a cell phone, users will have to register a request with the PTA through its online Complaint Management System (CMS) available at www.pta.gov.pk.
“Once a complaint is filed, the complainant will receive a reference number upon successful registration of the blocking request, PTA mentioned.
Users will be able to contact PTA Consumer Support Centre’s toll-free number at 0800-55055 for any information or questions. The number will remain operational 12 hours a day from 9 am to 9 pm all seven days of the week.
PTA said the complainant will have to follow the same procedure for unblocking through CMS and mention their complaint reference number along with other mandatory details that were given to them earlier for the blocking of the mobile phone if a phone has been recovered.
“The owner will receive an SMS on the registered number once the cell phone is unblocked,” the PTA statement added.
Presently, users approach the PTA for the blocking or unblocking of lost, stolen or snatched mobile phones via its toll-free number, by sending an email at imei@pta.gov.pk or through CPLC Karachi. However, after the launch of the new system, these mediums will no longer be available for users.
Complainants can easily file a request with PTA for blocking the IMEI of such handset to prevent it from potential misuse. #Blockstolenmobilephone_LSDS pic.twitter.com/r5P3DJaAcy
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) April 7, 2021
