Imagine buying a shiny new phone, only to have its calls, SMS, and data blocked because you missed a registration deadline. Sounds harsh, right? But that’s exactly what’s happening in 2025 with PTA’s crackdown on unregistered devices. This guide walks you through everything you need to know how to check, how to register, what fines you may face, and what to do now so you’re not left offline.
Highlights (What You’ll Learn)
- How to check if your phone is PTA-approved
- Step-by-step process to register your device
- The tax brackets and how much you might pay
- What happens after the deadline
- Benefits of registering (yes, there are perks!)
- Answers to your top PTA registration questions
Why This Matters in 2025
Here’s the thing: in recent years, Pakistan’s mobile market was crowded with smuggled, fake, or duplicate phones. These devices often avoid taxes and can be security risks. PTA introduced DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) to stop that. The idea is to track, block, or ban any phone whose IMEI is illegal or unregistered.
So, devices not registered under PTA risk being permanently blocked meaning no calls, no messages, no internet. That’s why the 2025 registration push is a big deal.
How to Check If Your Phone Is Registered (2025)
You’ve got a few options. Here’s how to see your status right now:
1. SMS Method
- Find your IMEI by dialing
*#06#. - Send the IMEI to 8484.
- You’ll get a reply: “Compliant,” “Non-compliant,” or “Blocked.”
2. Online DIRBS Portal
- Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk
- Enter your IMEI
- See the result instantly (compliant, non-compliant, etc.)
3. DIRBS Mobile App
- Download the DIRBS app (Android, etc.)
- Input your IMEI
- Check status right from your phone
Understanding the Status Messages
When you check your IMEI, you may see one of these:
| Status | Meaning | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Compliant | Your phone is registered and legal | You’re good — no action needed |
| Non-Compliant | Phone is not registered (yet still working) | Register before the deadline |
| Blocked | Device is barred from local networks | It can’t be reactivated once blocked |
| Duplicate | The IMEI is duplicated or fake (often cloned) | Don’t use it — it’s risky and illegal |
How to Register Your Mobile Device (Step by Step)
Registering isn’t rocket science. Just follow these steps:
- Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk
- Sign up with your CNIC and email
- Log in to your dashboard
- Click “Register Mobile Device”
- Enter IMEI and other required details
- Pay the applicable tax (card, bank transfer, etc.)
- Wait for confirmation via SMS or email
- Once accepted, your device becomes legally registered
Tip: If your phone has dual SIM, register both IMEIs separately.
PTA Tax Rates (2025)
How much you’ll pay depends on your phone’s value and whether you’re registering with a passport (for travelers) or CNIC (for residents). Here’s a breakdown:
| Mobile Value (PKR) | Tax (Passport Holder) | Tax (CNIC Holder) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| 30,001 – 100,000 | 6,000 | 11,000 |
| 100,001 – 200,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Above 200,000 | 30,000 – 50,000 | 45,000 – 70,000 |
These numbers can change slightly, so always verify before you pay.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
Once the deadline passes:
- Non-registered phones may be permanently blocked
- Blacklisted IMEIs can’t be reactivated, even with payment
- Network services — calls, SMS, data — will stop
- Only legally registered devices will work
Bottom line: missing this doesn’t just mean a fine — it means your phone might become useless in Pakistan.
Benefits of Registering Your Phone
You might shrug and think, “Why bother?” Let me show you why it’s worth it:
- Cuts down theft, fraud, and phone cloning
- Helps enforce proper tax and import laws
- Raises overall quality of devices in the market
- Ensures your phone remains under warranty and support
- Helps protect the country’s telecom and digital systems
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check your IMEI via SMS, portal, or app
- If non-compliant, register immediately
- Don’t buy phones from unauthorized sellers or smuggled sources
- Make sure both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones are registered
- Once blocked, it can’t be reversed — act fast
Latest Update (October 2025)
PTA confirmed that the registration campaign now runs through October 2025. After that, unregistered devices will face permanent network bans.
Recently, they’ve also updated their portal security and added new payment options to make registration easier for people in remote areas. Always double-check DIRBS announcements before you pay.
FAQs About PTA Mobile Registration 2025
Q1: What’s the last date to register my phone?
The campaign runs till October 2025. After that, unregistered devices will be blocked.
Q2: How can I check if my device is PTA approved?
Send your IMEI to 8484, or check through the official DIRBS portal/app.
Q3: Can I register a phone after it’s blocked?
No. Once an IMEI is blacklisted, it can’t be reactivated.
Q4: How much tax will I pay?
It depends on your phone’s price. Taxes range from ~Rs. 1,000 up to ~Rs. 70,000.
Q5: Do I need to register both SIM slots for a dual-SIM phone?
Yes. Each IMEI must be registered on its own.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Look, this isn’t just a bureaucratic hassle. Your mobile device is one of the most essential tools in your life, for work, learning, communication. If you don’t register it, you risk losing it entirely.
So, don’t wait till the last minute. Check your IMEI, register your phone now, and make sure you stay in service. And share this guide with friends who might not know what’s coming, you’ll save them from a nasty surprise.
#PTARegistration2025 #DIRBS #PakistanMobileLaw #IMEIRegistration #AvoidPenalties