The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong warning regarding the growing threat unregistered mobile phones pose to national security.
A spokesperson from PTA highlighted a noticeable surge in the use of these unauthorized devices for cybercrimes and financial fraud. In response, the PTA, in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), has ramped up joint operations to crack down on the distribution and use of such phones.
The spokesperson emphasized that the buying and selling of fake, cloned, and joint venture (JV) mobile phones is strictly illegal. Anyone found engaging in such activities will face arrest, legal action, and seizure of the devices involved.
The use of these illegal phones falls under punishable offences as per the Cyber Crime Act of 2016. Citizens are urged to report any instances of unregistered phone sales or purchases directly to the FIA.
Furthermore, the PTA confirmed that any mobile phones not verified through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) will be permanently blocked from usage.
