How to check PTA status of mobile phones before buying?

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised mobile phone users to ensure that their devices are approved and properly registered to avoid service disruption. In a public awareness message, PTA highlighted the role of its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), which was introduced to prevent the use of illegal, unverified, and cloned mobile devices in the country. Under the system, mobile phones with unverified International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers are blocked, preventing users from accessing services through those devices. PTA advised consumers to check device details before purchasing a mobile phone and verify that the information matches the original phone records. How to Get IMEI Details Users have also been encouraged to confirm IMEI details through the PTA CMS mobile application and by dialing *#06# on their devices. The authority further instructed buyers to compare the IMEI number mentioned on the phone box with the IMEI displayed on the handset and purchase only PTA-approved mobile phones. How To Check Device Status through SMS According to the guidelines, users can check the model information linked to an IMEI through the Device Verification System or by sending the 15-digit IMEI number via SMS to 8484. Penalty PTA also warned that illegally modifying, reprogramming, or tampering with telecommunications devices is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, carrying penalties including imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs1 million, or both. The authority advised citizens to get their mobile devices approved through the payment of applicable Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) taxes and follow official registration procedures to ensure uninterrupted mobile services.