ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority urged consumers to complete a PTA IMEI check before buying a mobile phone to avoid purchasing a device that could be blocked on Pakistani networks.
The authority said its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) identifies and blocks illegal, unregistered or non-compliant devices.
Buyers can display a handset’s 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number by dialling *#06#. The number can also be found in the device settings and on its original packaging.
The official PTA guidance directs consumers to send each IMEI via SMS to 8484, use the online verification portal, or check it through the Device Verification System mobile application.
PTA said buyers of dual-SIM phones should verify every programmed IMEI. The model displayed by the verification system should also match the physical handset being purchased.
A compliant result confirms that the device is valid for use on Pakistani mobile networks. The authority advised completing verification before payment, as an unregistered or blocked handset may subsequently lose cellular connectivity.
Read: PTA Warns Against Illegal Foreign SIM Cards in Pakistan
The advisory reiterated the use of the existing DIRBS platform; it did not announce a new mobile-registration system.
