ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised citizens to verify the legal status and IMEI registration of mobile phones before purchasing them to avoid buying unapproved or illegal devices.
According to the PTA, the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has been established to identify, register and block mobile devices as part of efforts to prevent illegal activities. Under the system, devices with unverified IMEI numbers may be blocked.
The authority has urged consumers to purchase only PTA-approved mobile phones and check their IMEI registration before completing a transaction.
To verify a device, consumers should dial *#06# on their mobile phones to obtain the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. They should then compare the number displayed on the phone with the IMEI number printed on its box to ensure they match.
The PTA has also advised consumers to purchase mobile phones only from reliable sources and verify their legal status before making a payment.
According to the authority, information about device IMEI numbers provided by mobile operators is also used in the DIRBS system.
Consumers whose mobile phones have been blocked can seek information through the relevant PTA system or mobile application to determine the reason and available options.
The authority has reminded consumers that the illegal import and smuggling of mobile devices are punishable offences under the relevant law, with substantial fines potentially applicable.
Consumers can also check their devices by sending an SMS containing the IMEI number to 8484.
The PTA has further advised users to pay applicable taxes and duties imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and complete the required registration process to ensure their devices receive PTA approval.
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