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Updated October 2024
Key takeaways:
PTA registration is required to prevent phone blocking in Pakistan
Overseas Pakistanis can use unregistered phones for 120 days and tourists for 60 days
Register online via the DIRBS website by submitting your IMEI and details
Table of Contents
How do I register my mobile phone online with PTA?
PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) regulates the telecommunication sector in Pakistan. Mobile registration with PTA is required to prevent your phone from being blocked or confiscated. This applies to all mobile devices that are imported, purchased, or brought into Pakistan.
If you don’t register, network services may block your phone. It’s important to register, check your phone’s IMEI, and follow the rules for a secure network.
Overseas Pakistanis can use their personal phones without registration for 120 days after returning to Pakistan.
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PTA registration online
Applicants can register their devices online by visiting the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) website and following the registration process. Please note that there’s no fee for registering your mobile with PTA.
- Access the DIRBS website and sign in to your account
- Select the option “Temporary registration for overseas Pakistanis/Foreigners”
- Fill in the necessary details, such as the number of SIM slots in your device and the IMEI number
- An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your provided phone number and email. Enter it in the specified field
- Press the “Submit” button to complete the registration process
- After verification, your phone number will be successfully registered.
When registering through the website, there are two important aspects to consider, depending on whether you are an international traveler or a local applicant in Pakistan:
- If you are coming to Pakistan from another country, you must complete the registration process for your mobile device within 60 days of your arrival. To do this, you must provide specific travel details, including your Passport Number, CNIC/NICOP (if applicable), and the SIM number issued on your passport/CNIC/NICOP. Additionally, you must furnish your device’s IMEI through the DIRBS system mechanism.
- The registration process for Pakistani residents is slightly different. You can register your mobile device by entering your CNIC and the SIM number issued on your CNIC. Just like international travelers, you will also need to provide your device’s IMEI using the DIRBS system mechanism.
Tourists who visit Pakistan for fewer than 60 days are exempt from the obligation to register their smartphones. Please note that registration can be done only after arrival in Pakistan.
Status check
You can check your mobile’s registration status with the PTA, but note that the verification service is only available within Pakistan. There are three ways to do this:
- SMS: Send your phone’s IMEI number to 8484 via SMS. You will receive a response indicating whether your device is registered, unregistered, or blocked. It is essential to fully comprehend the meaning of each response message before proceeding with the registration process.
- PTA website: Access the PTA website and locate the mobile phone registration section. Provide your IMEI number and check your device’s registration status.
- DVS app: Download the Device Verification System app in the Google Play store and check the registration status of your mobile number.
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