ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In view of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to ensure social distancing, all GSMA valid device IMEIs seen on mobile networks but currently not registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have been granted an additional 30 days for registration of their mobile devices increasing total time period required for registration from 60 days to 90 days.
The decision was taken to provide immediate facilitation to the public. The blocking of such mobile devices will continue from April 19, 2020, as per their due dates & will be communicated via SMS.
As per regulations, all mobile devices being connected to local networks using local SIM are subject to registration within 60 days from 1st use of the device on local mobile networks in Pakistan. However, due to extraordinary circumstances, blocking of non-registered device IMEIs, which were to be blocked between March 18 to April 18, 2020, will now start from April 19 as per the due date of each device.
The PTA launched the Device Identification Registration Blocking System (DIRBS), aimed at ensuring a healthy mobile device ecosystem in Pakistan through the usage of legal devices on mobile networks.
The PTA has provided three mechanisms for registration of mobile devices; through the website (https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs), by dialing *8484# or visiting mobile operators’ franchises/service centers across Pakistan.
