The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged consumers to verify whether a mobile phone is legally approved for use on Pakistan’s cellular networks before purchasing it.
The authority uses its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to identify, register and block illegal, unregistered or non-compliant mobile devices. Consumers are advised to check a phone’s IMEI number to confirm its status and avoid purchasing a handset that could later be blocked.
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How to Check a Mobile Phone’s IMEI
Consumers can find and verify a phone’s IMEI through several methods:
- Dial *#06# on the handset.
- Check the IMEI printed on the original phone packaging.
- Find the IMEI through the device’s settings.
- Send the IMEI number by SMS to 8484.
- Use PTA’s online device verification service.
PTA says DIRBS was introduced to prevent illegally imported and non-compliant mobile phones from operating on Pakistan’s telecommunications networks.
Consumers are therefore advised to verify the IMEI before buying a mobile phone, particularly when purchasing imported or used handsets. This simple check can help buyers avoid devices that may later lose access to local mobile networks.
