The decision was taken to provide immediate ease and facilitate the public.
The blocking of such mobile devices will continue from 19th April 2020 as per their due dates and will be communicated via SMS, said the PTA. As per regulations, all mobile devices being connected to local networks using local SIMs are subject to registration within 60 days from 1st use of device on local mobile networks in Pakistan.
However, due to extraordinary circumstances, blocking of non-registered device IMEIs, which were to be blocked between 18th March to 18th April 2020, will now start from 19th April as per due date of each device.
The PTA launched Device Identification Registraation Blocking System (DIRBS) The system is aimed at ensuring a healthy mobile device ecosystem in Pakistan through usage of legal devices on mobile networks. The PTA has provided three mechanisms for registration of mobile devices; through website (https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs), by dialing *8484# or visiting mobile operators' franchises/service centers across Pakistan.
The PTA has blocked more than 50 million devices since implementation of the DIRBS. According to the PTA, these include 32 million GSMA valid and 18 million non-standard i.e. non-compliant devices. Such devices were brought into Pakistan through grey channels causing security issues and revenue loss to the Government of Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020