The interim government has pinpointed numerous smugglers and establishments engaged in illicit practices such as Consumer Product Identification (CPID), IMEI repair, and unauthorized patching of smartphones, as per reports from local media.
It has been reported that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is gearing up to launch a crackdown on cpidserver.com, a platform offering CPID approval services globally.
This move follows the identification by law enforcement agencies of a significant volume of smartphones being smuggled into Pakistan via routes including Dubai and other nations.
CPID approval stands out as a method frequently exploited to obtain PTA approvals at notably low costs. It involves altering a smartphone’s original firmware without requiring device rooting, consequently removing the SIM lock and modifying the IMEI number through software linked to a remote paid server.
Furthermore, the patch approval process prevents users from updating their phones.
It’s noteworthy that, effective January 1, 2024, a SIM disowning charge of up to 200 will be applicable to SIM cards with a retention period of less than six months.
ECP Dismisses Plea to Remove Federal Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad
In another development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dismissed a petition seeking the removal of the interim federal minister, Fawad Hassan Fawad, from his position due to alleged ‘political affiliation’.
The plea, submitted by high court advocate Syed Aziz Uddin Kaka Khel, prompted the election commission to address the matter.
After thoroughly examining the plea and considering potential implications on the political landscape, the ECP found insufficient evidence to justify Fawad Hassan Fawad’s removal from his appointed role.
The ECP delivered a favorable verdict on the request, rejecting the plea from Aziz Uddin Kaka Khel. Before this, the ECP had previously ordered the removal of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Ahad Cheema from his post.
Ahad Cheema, a former civil servant who held a position in grade BPS-20 for over 15 years, had also served as an adviser to the then-PM Shehbaz Sharif on establishment matters.
The verdict came after a hearing on petitions filed against federal ministers and advisers regarding their political associations.
Notices had been issued by the election commission to Federal Minister for Privatization Fawad Hassan Fawad, Adviser Ahad Cheema, and Principal Secretary to the PM Tauqeer Shah.
