Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a two-step authentication process to curb the misuse of identity for mobile registration.
What is The Two-Step Authentication Process?
The applicant’s entered mobile number is authenticated against biometrically verified mobile number database and a one-time password (OTP) is sent via SMS to applicant’s mobile number. Upon entry of OTP code, an application is transmitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
In case of a failed authentication, the application is put on hold. The applicant will receive intimation via the system to upload a copy of their passport, CNIC & immigration stamp pictures. Upon validation, the system will transmit the request to FBR.
According to official documents, under the Device Identification, Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) a total of 357 million IMEI were registered as of January 15, 2019 and the number of non-compliant sets which were blocked after January 15 2019 stands at 9.57 million. Another 10.66 million GSMA valid IMEI were also blocked.
Under the individual registration category, 986,191 devices applied under DIRBS where 656,920 devices were registered free, 33,830 registered with tax, and paid a total of Rs 74 million in taxes while 44,943 misuse cases were sent to FBR and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The federal cabinet has been approached with a proposal to withdraw Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Baggage Rules exemption for mobile phones to address the misuse of travel data and for the reduction in taxes and duties on new cell phones.
In line with section 9.6 of the Telecom Policy 2015, PTA has developed a system to;
(i) Eliminate counterfeit, non-standard and duplicate (IMEI) devices from the networks;
(ii) Support FBR in curbing smuggled mobile devices;
(iii) Address security issues due to usage of non-standard & duplicate IMEI handset.
As part of the federal cabinet decision, all devices seen on mobile networks as of January 15, 2019 were converted to compliant legal status. Thus, a total of 357 million devices have been convened to compliant status. Non-compliant devices seen on networks after January 15, 2019 and non-tax paid devices which are not registered (after 60 days) are being blocked in phases.
Hmm … And why PTA introduced verfication requirement for mobile phones ?
Curb terrorism, illegal mobile usage, mass surveillance of civilians… and the list goes on.
so that agencies can carry out mass surveillance on people
Is this possible that 1 device having 2 IMEI 1 is working and 2nd one is blocked
I have same problem. My second IMEI was active in last year december as well, but still they blocked it. Now I am not getting any response from them.
Is it possible 1 device have a 2 imei number one is working and one is blocked and how to fix it….???
My second IMEI was active in last year december as well, but still they blocked
Any one with access to PTA officials can ask them how to unblock second SIM slots IMEI. As per their own rules it should not have been blocked.
May someone from @propakistani can ask PTA officials how to fix it.
could it not be easy for every one if IME no is straight forwarded to NADRA and device or mob no could be registered on that name . i think that is the easiest way to register .
What if the person is foreign national how will the registration work? Since the person doesn’t have a local cell no. Can he or she provide relatives local cell no? And is one duty exempt cell phone allowed or discontinue, no notification yet…
Foreigner or resident, if you want to use your phone for more than 40 days in Pakistan you have to pay this ransom (if the phone is unregistered). Cell number is not required, only IMEI is required for registration. Duty exempt phones will be discontinued from July 1st.
people change cell phone too often, what if someone wants to sell the old one (registered on DIRBS) ?