PTA Cracks Down on Illegal Devices with Fines
The PTA's Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) is a key component in the authority's efforts to combat non-compliant devices, and users are advised to ensure their devices are registered and compliant to avoid any legal issues or service disruptions.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a crackdown on illegal mobile devices, warning users of heavy fines and penalties for using tampered, cloned, or non-compliant devices, with violators facing fines of up to PKR1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
The PTA has issued a notice stating that using such devices is a criminal offense, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is authorized to take action, including confiscation of the device. To avoid any legal issues or service disruptions, the PTA advises users to look for a "PTA Approved" label when purchasing new phones. The authority's Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) plays a central role in filtering out non-compliant devices.
However, the PTA has failed to whitelist over 10,000 seized mobile phones, delaying their auction and resulting in a significant revenue loss for the national treasury. Customs officials at major airports have submitted multiple requests to PTA for whitelisting, but no progress has been made. The delay is causing the value of the devices to decrease, making them less appealing to potential buyers.
The PTA emphasizes that ignorance is not an excuse and that users should verify their device's status before use. Users can check their device's status online, via SMS, or through the PTA Device Registration Guide app. The PTA's crackdown on illegal devices aims to promote a safe and secure telecommunication environment in Pakistan.