The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned mobile users nationwide against the use of tampered, cloned, or otherwise illegal mobile devices, saying that such actions constitute a criminal offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
In a recent public notice, the PTA said that individuals found using non-compliant or “patched” mobile phones—particularly those with manipulated International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers—could face penalties of up to PKR 1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Enforcement actions, including device confiscation, may be carried out by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in coordination with PTA.
View this post on Instagram
The central issue involves IMEI tampering, a practice used to alter a device’s identity in order to bypass regulatory controls and avoid official registration.
While some consumers may inadvertently acquire such devices through unauthorized channels or grey-market dealers, the PTA clarified that lack of awareness does not excuse non-compliance.
To counter this issue, the PTA employs its Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS), which ensures that only legally imported and registered mobile phones are allowed to operate on Pakistani networks.
The Authority urged consumers to verify the status of any mobile device before purchase and to report suspicious activity, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding users and maintaining the integrity of the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.
