The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given a very clear warning to everyone in Pakistan who buys, uses, or sells mobile phones. From May 2025 onwards, any phone that has a patched or cloned IMEI—often called CPID or “patch‑approved” phones—will be treated as illegal. An IMEI is like your phone’s unique ID card. If someone changes that ID, the phone becomes a “fake” device in PTA’s eyes.
Why does this matter?
Register & Pay Duties: If your phone came from abroad, pay the correct taxes and register it.
Legal Action Under PECA 2016
PTA will use the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 to punish offenders.
You can face hefty fines and even jail time if caught buying, selling, or using a cloned phone.
Heavy Fines and Jail
Fines can go up to PKR 1,000,000 (about USD 3,200).
Jail sentences can be as long as 3 years.
Why PTA Is Acting
Security: Cloned phones hide criminals and make it hard for police to trace illegal activity.
Revenue Protection: Smuggled phones skip import taxes, hurting Pakistan’s economy.
Network Integrity: Only approved phones keep our mobile networks safe and reliable.
What You Must Do
Check your IMEI before buying: Dial *#06# on any phone to see its 15‑digit code.
Verify status: Use the PTA’s online checker at dirbs.pta.gov.pk, send your IMEI via SMS to 8484, or use the PTA Device Registration app.
What Are CPID and Patched Phones?
- CPID Phones: These are phones (usually Samsung/Android) whose IMEI is swapped on a remote server. Users pay lower tax but use a fake (cloned) IMEI.
- Patched Phones: Here, a technician roots the phone and patches its software so it shows an approved IMEI. It looks like a legal device but is really tampered.
⚠️ Both CPID and patched phones have altered IMEIs and are treated as smuggled or cloned devices by PTA.
Why PTA Is Cracking Down
- Security Risks: Fake IMEIs hide criminals and block tracking in crimes.
- Revenue Loss: Smuggled phones avoid import duties that help Pakistan’s budget.
- Legal Duty: Under PECA 2016, PTA must block and seize illegal devices.
Legal Action Under PECA 2016
- Section 18 of PECA 2016 bans any “altering, tampering or re‑programming” of a phone’s IMEI.
- Penalty:
- Imprisonment up to 3 years
- Fine up to PKR 1,000,000
Both users and sellers of patched/CPID phones can be prosecuted under PECA.
Fines, Punishments and Blocking
- Fine up to PKR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 3,200)
- Up to 3 years in jail
- Device blocking: PTA’s DIRBS system will block any non‑approved IMEI.
- Seizure & Raids: PTA & FIA will raid shops, seize illegal phones, and register FIRs.
How to Register Your Phone (Easy IMEI Registration)
- Check Your IMEI:
- Dial *#06# on your phone.
- Note the 15‑digit IMEI number.
- Verify Status:
- Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk, or
- Send IMEI via SMS to 8484, or
- Use the PTA Device Registration mobile app.
- Pay Duties & Taxes:
- Follow on‑screen instructions to pay FBR duties.
- Get Approval:
- After payment, you’ll receive a PTA approval certificate and your phone will work normally.
Tip: Overseas Pakistanis and visitors can now register free for up to 120 days online.
FAQs
Q: Are non‑PTA phones working in Pakistan?
A: They may work for a few days, but then DIRBS will block them.
Q: How many days can I use a non‑PTA phone?
A: There is no grace period—unapproved phones can be blocked immediately once detected.
Q: Can a JV iPhone be PTA approved? What is a JV iPhone?
A: A “JV iPhone” is a joint‑venture or grey‑market iPhone imported without PTA clearance. It must go through the same DIRBS process to become legal.
Q: How do I make my non‑PTA phone PTA approved?
A: Register its IMEI on dirbs.pta.gov.pk and pay the required duties. Patched/CPID IMEIs cannot be legalized.
Conclusion
To stay safe and online:
- Do not buy patched or CPID phones.
- Always buy from PTA‑approved retailers.
- Register your phone’s IMEI with DIRBS.
Remember, PTA’s zero‑tolerance means heavy fines, jail time, and blocked service if you use or sell an illegal device.
Stay legal, stay connected!
