KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has collected more than Rs83 billion in taxes from mobile phone device registration over the past six years, while blocking a total of 100 million mobile devices during this period.
According to official figures, the PTA blocked around 72 million mobile devices during the fiscal year 2024–25 alone. These included approximately 868,000 lost or stolen mobile phones and about 27 million devices with duplicate or cloned IMEI numbers.
PTA data show that since 2019, the implementation of the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) has significantly strengthened mobile device management in the country. The system has effectively curtailed the import and use of counterfeit and substandard mobile phones.
The authority stated that these measures have helped document the mobile phone market and increase government revenue. Under the Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) Regulations 2021, steps were also taken to discourage smuggling and encourage local manufacturing.
According to the PTA, by 2025 more than 95 percent of mobile phones used on Pakistani networks were locally manufactured, while 68 percent of smartphones used in the country were also produced domestically.
PTA documents further note that the continued enforcement of DIRBS has contributed to the development of a secure, transparent and self-reliant digital ecosystem, positioning Pakistan to become an integral part of the regional mobile phone value chain.
