The loss of a mobile phone is not only unpleasant in any financial terms, but also a significant security issue, in case the device has some personal data, banking applications, or other important information. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented DIRBS ( Device Identification Registration and Blocking System ) to prevent the misuse of stolen or lost phones, so as to safeguard the Pakistani citizens. This system enables users to blacklist their mobile phones by use of the IMEI number such that no one can be able to use them on any local network.
The following are the steps that can be used to block your lost or stolen mobile phone with the help of the IMEI system provided by PTA.
Find Your Phone’s IMEI Number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your mobile device.
Ways to check your IMEI number:
Dial *#06# from your phone (before it is lost).
Check the phone’s box or purchase receipt.
Look for it inside your phone’s settings under About Phone.
Always note down and save your IMEI number separately for emergency use.
Submit a Complaint to PTA
Once your phone is lost or stolen, you need to submit a blocking request through PTA’s official system. You can do this in three ways:
a) Online through PTA’s Complaint Management System (CMS):
- Visit the CMS portal: https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/
- Select the option for Lost/Stolen Mobile Blocking (DIRBS).
- Fill out the required details:
- IMEI number(s)
- Mobile brand, model, and color
- Date and location where the phone was lost/stolen
- Your CNIC number
- Contact details (mobile number and email address)
- IMEI number(s)
b) Through Email:
You can also email your request to [email protected] with the following details:
- IMEI number(s)
- CNIC copy
- Mobile number
- Lost phone details (brand, model, date of incident)
c) Through Helpline:
Dial PTA Helpline 0800-55055 for guidance on blocking your device.
Verification and Blocking
After you submit the complaint:
- PTA will verify the details provided.
- Your mobile phone will be blocked within 24 hours, making it useless on all local mobile networks.
- You will receive confirmation via SMS/email that your phone has been successfully blocked.
Unblocking the Device (If Found Later)
If you recover your lost phone, you can request PTA to unblock it.
- Visit the CMS portal again.
- Submit an unblocking request with reference to your earlier complaint.
- PTA will verify and unblock the device after confirmation.
PTA IMEI blocking system is a wonderful initiative towards having mobile security in Pakistan. Every owner of a smartphone needs to store his IMEI number and take immediate action in the event of losing or theft of the phone. By blocking your device on the spot, you can reduce financial and personal losses.
Always keep data backed up and enable phone protection such as PIN codes, biometrics locks and Find My Device services to provide additional security.
Also read this: How to Check PTA Approved Phones in Pakistan
