The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to roll out the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
PTA to decides
According to sources, PTA has decided to launch DIRBS in GB and AJK on September 1st, 2023, and all necessary preparations have been made.
According to PTA officials, the goal of implementing this system in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan is to reduce the use of smuggled and stolen phones. SMS messages have been sent to citizens informing them of the status of their devices.
When asked, Spokesperson PTA said, “DIRBS is launched and the process for pairing devices is underway, after 1st September no phone will be registered unless FBR tax is paid. All available devices will be paired with their numbers and after that registration process will start”.
According to PTA officials, the DIRBS system was approved for implementation by the AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils before the federal government decided to implement it. In AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, smuggled and stolen phones are widely used.
Because a large number of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan residents used to insert SCO SIMs into unregistered mobile phones, it was decided to integrate SCO with the DIRBS system, and approval was obtained from the Federal Cabinet.
To read our blog on “Over the past 6 months, PTA blocked 4 million SIM cards,” click here