The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) blocked nearly 100 million mobile devices during the financial year 2024–25, according to details shared in its latest annual performance report.
The report said the blocked devices included around 868,000 lost or stolen mobile phones reported by users across Pakistan during the reviewed financial year.
In addition, PTA blocked nearly 72 million fake or replica mobile devices that were illegally operating on Pakistani cellular networks without meeting regulatory standards.
The authority also identified and blocked about 27 million mobile devices using duplicated or cloned IMEI numbers, which posed serious risks to users and networks.
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PTA stated that its actions were carried out under the strengthened Mobile Device Management framework to protect consumers and improve overall network security nationwide.
The authority highlighted the role of the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System, commonly known as DIRBS, in controlling illegal device usage across Pakistan.
According to PTA, DIRBS has significantly reduced the inflow of counterfeit and non-compliant mobile phones entering the local market through informal channels.
The report noted that the system has also enhanced consumer confidence by ensuring only legally registered and verified devices remain operational on mobile networks.
PTA said DIRBS has helped formalize the mobile phone market while contributing substantially to government revenue through proper device registration mechanisms.
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Building on DIRBS, the Mobile Device Management Regulations 2021 were introduced to promote local mobile phone assembly and manufacturing within Pakistan.
Since the implementation of these regulations, the local mobile manufacturing ecosystem has expanded rapidly, attracting both domestic and international companies.
By 2025, more than 95 percent of mobile devices used on Pakistani networks were locally manufactured, reflecting a major structural shift in the sector.
The report added that around 68 percent of smartphones currently in use are also locally assembled, reducing reliance on expensive imports.
PTA described this development as a significant move toward import substitution and greater industrial self reliance for Pakistan’s economy.
A total of 36 manufacturing authorizations have been issued so far to local and global brands operating mobile assembly plants in Pakistan.
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These companies include well known international names such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and several other emerging technology manufacturers.
The authority also highlighted the fiscal impact of the MDM system, noting strong growth in government revenues from mobile device registrations.
Since 2019, more than Rs. 83 billion has been collected through individual category mobile device registrations under the regulated framework.
PTA said the strengthened local manufacturing base has improved economic resilience and created employment opportunities in the technology sector.
