PTA to Block Counterfeit and Duplicate Mobile Phones

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Tuesday that it will begin blocking counterfeit and duplicate mobile phones across the country.

As part of its new initiative, the PTA has launched an operation targeting mobile phones with cloned or duplicate International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

In the first phase of this operation, all mobile phone users will receive verification messages.

The messages will instruct users to check their phones for cloned or duplicate IMEI numbers. Users who fail to verify their devices will face the risk of having their phones blocked.

To verify their phones, users will need to provide their IMEI details within seven days of receiving the notification. Once verified, the IMEI numbers will be linked to the respective SIM card numbers.

Mobile phones whose IMEI numbers remain unverified after the deadline will be blocked.

Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have urged consumers to reach out to either the sellers or the FIA if their phones are blocked. They also advised the public to purchase only legal, approved mobile phones that are properly taxed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Additionally, consumers were urged not to buy phones without warranties or those offered at unusually low prices. It is also recommended that buyers verify the IMEI number before purchasing any mobile phone.