In 2018, you might remember receiving numerous text messages from 8484 for the verification of mobile devices. It was intended to register your mobile devices before 20th Oct 2018. However, The second wave of importance came when Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that all mobile phones not registered under PTA will be blocked by January 15th, 2019. All such phones should register through the service to avoid any problems in the future and maintain their ability as usual!
On 16th January, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority started blocking every unregistered phone and people rushed in to register in PTA to get their mobile phones back to working condition.
In simple words, if your phone is not registered with PTA, you will not be able to make/receive any calls or text messages. Once your mobile device is compliant with DIRBS, you’ll able to make all the actions.
Why did it happen?
In 2018, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority launched DIRBS which stands for Device Registration, Identification, and Blocking System. The main purpose of it is to stop people from using illegal mobile phones. Since most mobile phones are imported into Pakistan. DIRBS verifies, detects, tracks, and discourages the use of these non-compliant devices smuggled into Pakistan and used for illegal activities.
Let’s discuss How to Register your mobile phone in PTA with different methods.
What is the IMEI number?
IMEI number is a unique code given to your mobile phone similar to a vehicle identification number. If blocked you can’t use your cellular device to access any mobile network in Pakistan and your phone won’t be able to make or receive any calls.
How to check the IMEI number?
IMEI number which can be checked by any of the following :
Method 1: Dial *#06# on your mobile.
Method 2: Go to the ‘Settings‘ then “About Phone” section of your smartphone.
Method 3: It is also printed on your mobile phone’s box.
Method 4: If your phone has a removable battery, remove the back cover and battery to find the IMEI number.
How to check your mobile registration?
You’ll require an IMEI number to check if your mobile is registered in PTA or not. We’ve already told four different methods to check IMEI numbers. Now is the time to know what to do for PTA mobile registration checking.
Send the IMEI number of your mobile at 8484 and you’ll receive a message back if your mobile has been verified or not.
The three possible messages you can receive are:
- Your mobile phone IMEI is Compliant. Here “Compliant” in this message means it is registered with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) and you’re eligible to use every activity on it (Phone calls, text messages, etc).
- Your mobile phone IMEI is Non-Compliant. Here “Non-Compliant” in this message means it is not registered with PTA because the IMEI is either duplicated or not allocated with GSMA. However, you can still make calls or SMS with the sim that was paired with it before 20th Oct 2018.
- Your mobile phone IMEI is Blocked. Here “Blocked” in this message means it is blocked by PTA because the IMEI was either smuggled, not taxed, or reported as stolen. In this case, you’ll not be able to do any activity and have to pay taxes to register your mobile phone with PTA.
How to register your mobile phone with PTA
Before you start the process of registering of mobile phone with PTA, there are a few certain points that you need to know in case your mobile phone needs registration or not.
- If you are a foreigner or living in abroad. You can use the mobile phone in Pakistan for the first 120 days without any tax/duties according to the latest March 2022 PTA update. Previously it was eligible for 60 days only. However, if you intend to use it for more than 120 days, you’ll need to register it with PTA.
- All the SIM/IMEI-based devices are mandatory to register with PTA. For example, Tablets, Smartwatches, iPad, Mobile Phones, etc.
There are 4 different methods to register your mobile phone with PTA.
Register Mobile Phone through USSD
The first and easiest method to register your mobile phone in PTA is to use USSD.
- Dial *8484# on your device
- You’ll be asked to select Language. Press 1 for English or Press 2 for Roman Urdu.
- After that, you’ll see various options. Press 1 for Registration of the Device
- Then, you’ll be asked if you are a Pakistani or a Foreigner. Press 1 for Pakistan or Press 2 for Foreigner
- You’ll be asked if your Device is Foreign or Local. Press 1 for foreign or Press 2 for local
- Now enter your CNIC or Passport number
- Then you’ll be asked about the number of sim slots in your device
- Write the IMEI numbers of your device, if your device has 2 sim slots, you’ll need to write both IMEI numbers to complete the registration process of your device with PTA
Register your Mobile Phone with DIRBS
DIRBS was Launched in 2018 by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to ensure there are no illegal mobile phones active in Pakistan. It stands for Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System.
In Pakistan, few plants manufacture mobile phones, so the majority of smartphones and other gadgets are imported in bulk from different countries like China or the United States. In order to ensure these devices are taxed when they are imported into Pakistan, DIRBS track and regulate all these devices. One of the major concerns of DIRBS is to ensure there are no smuggled phones in Pakistan since most of them are used for illegal activities.
The second method to register a mobile phone in PTA is with DIRBS official website.
- First, you need to visit the official website of DIRBS: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
- Login if you already have an account or click Sign up if you don’t have an account.
- After you click on Sign up, you’ll be required to fill in the information to create an account on DIRBS.
- Once your account has been created, you’ll need to select the user type. (Local or Foreigner)
- After selecting the desired type, you’ll need to provide information such as Email address, Passport/CNIC number, Mobile Number, and complete Home Address.
- When you complete the above action, you’ll receive an email with a link for the verification of your registration process. Click on the link to confirm.
- Login to your account and you’ll see a declaration window on the left with an opportunity to create an individual COC. Click on it to create one.
- Input the IMEI of your device with your contact information.
- You’ll shortly receive a message from PTA to let you know whether your device needs to Register with PTA or not.
- You can track the status of your application by going to the “My Application” option.
Register your Mobile Phone through Mobile App
The third method to Register mobile phones is through PTA’s official application. The application only works for android phones.
- Download the PTA app from Play Store by clicking the following link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pk.gov.dirbs.dvspublic
- Install the App on your device, Open the App once installed, and then follow the simple instructions to enter your IMEI Number.
- PTA, for the understanding of users, has explained the next steps to be taken in case your IMEI number is not valid.
Register Mobile Phone through Franchise
PTA has recently introduced a new method for people to register mobile phones. Now you can go to any Customer Service Center or Franchise of any mobile carrier like Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, etc.
If the IMEI of your mobile is Non-compliant or Blocked, you can visit them and they will register your mobile with PTA.
Conclusion
We have covered four different methods to Register Mobile Phones in PTA. The easiest way is to register with USSD. If you’re still confused about any of the registration processes, you can contact the PTA helpline as well:
PTA Help Line: 0800-55055
Visiting Hours:
Monday to Thursday (09:00 AM to 03:00 PM)
Friday (09:00 AM to 01:00 PM) – (02:00 PM – 3:00 PM )
