Pakistan Blocks 100 Million Mobile Phones to Curb Fake, Cloned, and Stolen Devices

In a bold move to protect consumers and boost local mobile manufacturing, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked nearly 100 million mobile phones during the 2024-25 financial year. This crackdown targeted 72 million fake or duplicate devices, 27 million phones with cloned IMEI numbers, and 868,000 reported stolen handsets.

DIRBS System Ensures Device Security
The PTA used the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), implemented under the Mobile Device Management (MDM) Regulations 2021. This system links device registration with network authorization, effectively preventing smuggled or unauthorized devices from accessing Pakistani networks. Only verified, compliant phones can operate on the network, significantly enhancing consumer safety.

Boost to Local Mobile Manufacturing
This initiative has also fueled domestic mobile production. By 2025, over 95% of devices used in Pakistan were locally manufactured, including 68% smartphones. A total of 36 companies received manufacturing licenses, including major global brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.

Revenue and Economic Impact
Since 2019, individual mobile device registration has generated over PKR 83 billion in government revenue. Experts say such measures not only protect consumers from counterfeit and potentially harmful devices but also stimulate local production and technological investment.

Lessons for India
Experts argue that India could benefit from a similar approach. Recently, a gang in Delhi’s Karol Bagh was caught selling counterfeit Samsung phones, endangering customer privacy and trust. Implementing a robust system like DIRBS in India could curb fake and cloned mobile devices while promoting the domestic mobile manufacturing sector.