PTA to Block All Non-Registered Mobile Devices in Pakistan 2025 – Full DIRBS Registration Guide
It looks like 2025 is bringing another big change for Pakistani mobile users. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has once again reminded everyone that non-registered mobile phones will soon be automatically blocked through its official system called DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System).
According to the latest PTA update in October 2025, every mobile device in Pakistan must now be officially registered and verified. If your phone isn’t registered, you might suddenly find that your SIM stops working, calls can’t be made, and even mobile data won’t connect.
For many Pakistanis who’ve bought imported or second-hand phones, this update is critical. PTA has made it clear that any phone with an unregistered IMEI number will soon be blocked permanently.
Why PTA Is Taking This Step in 2025
You might be wondering, why all this strictness? The reason goes back a few years when smuggled and fake phones started flooding the local market. These phones often came without paying proper taxes, hurting the economy and putting users at risk.
To fix that, PTA introduced the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). It helps the government track, verify, and block illegal or duplicate IMEI phones that enter Pakistan through unofficial channels.
WhatsApp ChannelIn simple terms, this move is meant to:
- Stop the sale of smuggled and fake phones
- Ensure tax collection on imported devices
- Protect users from cloned or low-quality phones
- Secure Pakistan’s digital communication network
Many people still try to save money by buying non-PTA phones from local markets or bringing them from abroad. They might work fine for a few days or weeks, but eventually, PTA’s system detects them and blocks access automatically.
How to Check If Your Phone Is PTA Registered (October 2025 Guide)
Before your device gets blocked, it’s better to check your PTA registration status right now. Here are three easy ways:
1. SMS Method
- Open your dial pad
- Type your IMEI number and send it to 8484
- You’ll get an instant message showing whether your phone is compliant, non-compliant, or blocked
(Tip: To find your IMEI number, dial *#06# on your phone.)
2. Online Portal
- Visit the official PTA website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
- Enter your IMEI number
- The site will instantly tell you your phone’s status
3. DIRBS Mobile App
- Download the DIRBS app from the Google Play Store
- Enter your IMEI number anytime to check status
PTA IMEI Status Table
| Status Message | Meaning | Action Required |
| Compliant Device | Officially registered and approved by PTA | No action needed |
| Non-Compliant Device | Not registered but temporarily allowed | Register immediately |
| Blocked Device | Not authorized for Pakistani networks | Cannot be used locally |
| Duplicate IMEI | Fake or cloned phone | Avoid using and report to PTA |
How to Register Your Mobile Phone with PTA
The process is quite easy and can be done online.
- Go to https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs/
- Create an account using your CNIC and email address
- Log in to your dashboard
- Click on “Register Mobile Device”
- Enter your IMEI number and other details
- Pay the PTA tax using the available options (credit card, bank transfer, etc.)
- Wait for a confirmation SMS or email — your phone will be registered shortly after payment
PTA Tax Rates (October 2025)
| Mobile Value Range (PKR) | Tax for Passport Holders | Tax for CNIC Holders |
| Up to Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
| Rs. 30,001 – Rs. 100,000 | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 11,000 |
| Rs. 100,001 – Rs. 200,000 | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 25,000 |
| Above Rs. 200,000 | Rs. 30,000–50,000 | Rs. 45,000–70,000 |
What Happens After the PTA Deadline
PTA has warned that all non-registered phones will be permanently blocked once the current verification campaign ends. If your phone is not registered before the deadline, you’ll lose access to your SIM, and calls, SMS, and data services will stop.
Once a phone’s IMEI is blacklisted, it cannot be reactivated — even if you later try to pay the tax. So it’s important to check and register before October ends.
If you recently bought a new phone, always ask the seller for a PTA approval certificate or verified invoice.
Why This Move Benefits Pakistani Consumers
At first glance, many users saw this as an unnecessary hassle. But if you look deeper, this step is actually protecting ordinary Pakistanis. When only genuine phones work, it:
- Reduces fraud and theft in the mobile market
- Encourages legal imports and local manufacturing
- Improves network quality
- Gives users warranty-backed, original phones
This also means less risk of buying fake or cloned phones that stop working after a few weeks. In the long term, it strengthens Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and supports a fair, tax-paying economy.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you haven’t checked your phone yet — do it today. It literally takes two minutes. Send your IMEI to 8484 or use the official portal. If it says non-compliant, register it before it’s too late.
Remember, once blocked, the IMEI cannot be activated again, no matter what anyone tells you.
Conclusion
PTA’s new crackdown on unregistered mobile phones is a big step toward a safer, cleaner digital market in Pakistan. Every citizen should verify their phone right away to avoid inconvenience later. Legal registration means peace of mind — and that’s worth the effort.
FAQs – PTA Mobile Registration 2025
1. What is the last date for registration?
The campaign continues through October 2025. After that, all unregistered phones will be permanently blocked.
2. How can I check if my phone is PTA approved?
Send your IMEI to 8484 or use the DIRBS portal to check instantly.
3. Can a blocked phone be registered later?
No. Once blacklisted, the IMEI cannot be reactivated.
4. How much PTA tax do I need to pay?
It depends on your phone’s value — anywhere from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 70,000.
5. What about dual-SIM phones?
You’ll need to register both IMEIs separately for compliance.
