PTA Mobile Registration & SIM Check Pakistan 2026 — IMEI, DIRBS, Tax & Complete Guide
Every Pakistani phone buyer, overseas traveler, and anyone receiving an international phone needs this guide. We cover how to check PTA approval in 30 seconds, how to check all SIMs on your CNIC via SMS, how to register imported phones on DIRBS, the complete 2026 PTA tax table, how to block unauthorized SIMs, and what to do when your phone is blocked. Zero ads, zero fluff — just the exact steps.
Quick Answer
To check if your phone is PTA approved: send your IMEI (dial *#06#) via SMS to 8484. To check SIMs on your CNIC: send your CNIC number to 668. To register a new imported phone: use the DIRBS portal at dirbs.pta.gov.pk — first phone is FREE, additional phones require tax payment (PKR 550–37,500+ depending on phone value). You have 60 days to register an imported phone before PTA blocks it. PTA helpline: 0800-28281.
Buying or registering a phone? Check if you're an FBR filer — filers pay lower PTA tax:
What is PTA Mobile Registration and Why It Matters
PTA stands for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority — the federal body that regulates all telecom services in Pakistan. DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) is PTA's system for registering every mobile phone used in Pakistan.
Launched in December 2018, DIRBS was introduced for three main reasons:
Stop Phone Smuggling
Billions of rupees in customs duty were lost annually to illegally imported phones bypassing official channels and taxes.
Collect Government Revenue
PTA registration forces payment of customs duty and taxes on all imported devices, boosting government revenue.
Track Stolen Phones
IMEI blacklisting means stolen phones can be remotely blocked from all networks, reducing incentive for theft.
What Happens to Unregistered Phones
- • All mobile network services stop — no calls, no SMS, no mobile data
- • Blocking is done at the network level by your IMEI number — it affects ALL networks
- • WiFi continues to work (PTA blocks IMEI from networks, not the hardware itself)
- • You cannot unblock without registering and paying applicable tax
- • Blocked IMEI cannot be gifted or transferred to avoid registration
This affects: anyone buying a new phone from an informal market, anyone receiving a phone from abroad as a gift or via courier, overseas Pakistanis returning home with a new phone, and anyone buying a used phone that was never officially registered.
Every phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) — a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device. PTA's DIRBS system tracks every IMEI in Pakistan. To find your IMEI, dial *#06# on your phone.
How to Check If Your Phone is PTA Approved (3 Methods)
Before you check, find your IMEI: dial *#06# on your phone. The 15-digit number appears on screen. If you have a dual-SIM phone, you will see two IMEI numbers — write down both. Now choose any of these three verification methods:
SMS to 8484 — Fastest (30 seconds)
Works from any Pakistani mobile number. Free.
Dial *#06# on your phone — note the 15-digit IMEI number
Open your SMS app
Type the IMEI number as your message
Send to 8484
Wait for reply (within 2 minutes)
"Your device IMEI is compliant" = PTA Approved ✅ Safe to use
"Your device IMEI is non-compliant" = NOT registered ❌ Must register to avoid blocking
"Device is stolen/blocked" = Blacklisted 🚫 Do NOT buy this phone
DIRBS Website — Full Details
dirbs.pta.gov.pk — Shows detailed registration status
Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk in your browser
Look for the IMEI verification / device check section
Enter your 15-digit IMEI number in the search box
Click "Check" or "Verify Device"
Status appears on screen — shows registration date, owner details (if any), and compliance status
DIRBS Mobile App — Most Convenient
Android app on Google Play Store — free
Open Google Play Store on your Android phone
Search for "DIRBS" — download the official PTA DIRBS app
Open the app and navigate to device verification
Enter your IMEI number or scan the barcode on your phone box
Check status instantly — also use to register devices directly from the app
Important: Dual-SIM Phones
If you have a dual-SIM phone, check BOTH IMEI numbers. Dial *#06# and you will see two IMEIs listed as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Both must be registered separately with PTA. If only one is registered, the second SIM slot will be blocked.
📲How to Register Your Phone with PTA — Step by Step
Registration method depends on how you acquired the phone. The most important rule is the 60-day window — you have 60 days from when the phone first connects to a Pakistani network to register it without penalty. After 60 days, the phone is blocked and you must pay full tax with no baggage allowance exception.
For Phones Bought in Pakistan
Good news: Phones purchased from authorized dealers and brand stores in Pakistan are automatically registered by the dealer. No action required from you. The dealer submits IMEI registration to PTA as part of the sale. If you buy from a large retailer like a brand store, Hafeez Center (authorized dealers), or online from official brand websites — you are covered.
Informal market warning: Grey-market phones from unauthorized vendors may not be registered. Always SMS your IMEI to 8484 immediately after purchase to verify.
For Overseas Pakistanis & International Travelers (Step by Step)
If you bring a phone from abroad — whether as an overseas Pakistani returning home or a traveler — the first device per calendar year qualifies for free registration under the baggage allowance rule. Here is the exact process:
Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk
Open the DIRBS portal in your browser. Do this within 60 days of your phone first connecting to a Pakistani network.
Create Your Account
Click "Sign Up" and enter your CNIC or NICOP number, a valid email address, and a Pakistani mobile number. Verify your email via the link sent to your inbox.
Login and Select Registration Type
After email verification, login and select "International Traveler" as your registration category. This triggers the baggage allowance check.
Enter Your IMEI Number
Type your 15-digit IMEI number. For dual-SIM phones, you will add both IMEIs. The system checks if this is your first device this calendar year.
Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear scan or photo of: (1) your CNIC/NICOP, (2) your passport showing your photo and travel stamps, and (3) arrival documents confirming travel dates. Ensure files are under 5MB each.
Tax Calculation
The system automatically calculates applicable tax based on your phone's IMEI-linked retail value. For the first device in the year: PKR 0. For additional devices: see the tax table in Section 4.
Pay Tax (If Applicable)
If tax is due, pay via debit card, credit card, or JazzCash/Easypaisa mobile wallet. Keep your payment receipt/confirmation number.
Wait for Confirmation
Registration is processed within 24-48 hours. You will receive an SMS and email confirmation. Your IMEI is now PTA-compliant and all network services activate (or continue uninterrupted).
For Phones Received via Courier
Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk and login to your account
Select "Courier Service" as your registration type
Enter your IMEI number and courier tracking details
Upload your CNIC and courier waybill/receipt
Pay the applicable PTA tax (no free exemption for courier phones)
Registration is processed within 1-3 working days
The 60-Day Rule — Do Not Miss This
You have exactly 60 days from when your imported phone first connects to a Pakistani mobile network to register it. After day 60, PTA automatically blocks the IMEI. The free baggage rule also expires — you will pay full tax even for the first device of the year. Set a reminder the moment you insert a Pakistani SIM into an imported phone.
💳PTA Tax on Mobile Phones 2026 — Complete Table
PTA tax is calculated based on the phone's retail price in USD, converted to PKR at the current exchange rate. The table below shows the 2026 tax brackets. Tax filers (on FBR's Active Taxpayers List) pay the standard rate. Non-filers pay additional withholding tax on top.
| Phone Value (USD) | PTA Tax (PKR) | Example Phones |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 | PKR 550 | Basic phones, Nokia 105, feature phones |
| $30 – $100 | PKR 1,870 | Budget smartphones, entry-level Tecno, Infinix |
| $100 – $200 | PKR 4,323 | Samsung A15, Redmi 13C, Tecno Spark |
| $200 – $350 | PKR 8,174 | Samsung A35, Pixel 7a, Redmi Note 13 Pro |
| $350 – $500 | PKR 15,050 | Samsung S24, iPhone 13 (used), Pixel 8a |
| $500 – $700 | PKR 22,900 | iPhone 15, Samsung S24+, Pixel 9 |
| Above $700 | PKR 37,500+ | iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Z Fold, Samsung S25 Ultra |
Important Notes on PTA Tax
- • Rates shown are for tax filers. Non-filers pay an additional withholding tax on top of these amounts.
- • Exact rates may change. Always verify at dirbs.pta.gov.pk before making purchase decisions.
- • Tax is assessed on the phone's international retail price, not what you paid — PTA uses market value databases.
- • For iPhones and Samsung flagships, the tax is determined by model, not just price bracket.
- • Tax is paid in PKR at the exchange rate on the day of registration.
📱How to Check SIMs Registered on Your CNIC
Every mobile SIM in Pakistan is legally registered to a CNIC. Someone could register a SIM on your CNIC without your knowledge — often by using a copy of your CNIC or identity theft. Checking your SIMs regularly is a critical security habit. Here are all the methods:
SMS 668Primary Method — Check ALL SIMs (Free)
Open your SMS app on any Pakistani mobile number
Type your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes (e.g. 3520212345678)
Send to 668
Within a few minutes, you receive a reply listing every SIM registered on your CNIC
The reply shows: network name (Jazz, Telenor, Zong, Ufone) + phone number for each SIM
Network-Specific SIM Checks
You can also check SIMs with individual networks. Send your CNIC number to:
| Network | Send CNIC to | Helpline |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz (Mobilink) | 6006 | 111-567-111 |
| Telenor | 789 | 345 |
| Zong | 662 | 310 |
| Ufone (PTCL) | 336 | 333 |
| SCOM (special) | Visit franchise | Not via SMS |
Maximum SIMs Per CNIC
Pakistan's PTA limits each CNIC to 5 SIMs total across all networks (reduced from 10 in previous years). If you have 5 SIMs, you cannot buy a new one without first blocking an existing SIM.
Check Every 6 Months
Fraudulent SIMs registered on your CNIC can be used for scams, financial fraud, and illegal activities — and may be traced back to you. Check SIM registrations at least once every 6 months. SIMs are also linked to JazzCash and Easypaisa accounts.
How to Block Unauthorized SIMs on Your CNIC
If the 668 SMS reveals phone numbers you do not recognize, act immediately. An unauthorized SIM is a serious security threat — it can be used to access your mobile banking, receive OTPs, conduct fraud, and may implicate you in criminal cases.
Method 1: Visit Network Franchise (Fastest)
Note the unknown numbers
From the 668 reply, write down all phone numbers you do not recognize, along with their network names.
Visit nearest network franchise
Go to the official franchise of the relevant network (Jazz Experience Center, Telenor Service Center, Zong Customer Care, or Ufone Service Center). Bring your original CNIC — no photocopies accepted.
Request SIM blocking
Tell the representative you found an unauthorized SIM on your CNIC and request immediate blocking. Provide the phone number and your CNIC for verification.
Fill complaint form
Complete the SIM blocking complaint form. The franchise records your request and issues a complaint reference number — keep it for follow-up.
Blocking completes in 24-48 hours
The unauthorized SIM is deactivated within 24-48 hours. Verify by sending your CNIC to 668 again 48 hours later to confirm the SIM is no longer listed.
Method 2: PTA Online Complaint Portal
- 1. Visit pta.gov.pk/en/consumer-complaints
- 2. Select complaint category: "Unauthorized SIM Registration"
- 3. Enter your CNIC, contact details, and the unauthorized SIM number
- 4. Describe the issue briefly and submit
- 5. PTA investigates and blocks within 7 working days
- 6. You receive an SMS/email confirmation when the SIM is blocked
Also File an FIR If You Suspect Fraud
If an unauthorized SIM was used for financial fraud or criminal activity, file a First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station immediately. The FIR provides legal protection and is required if banks ask for documentation regarding unauthorized transactions on accounts linked to that SIM.
What Happens If Your Phone is Blocked by PTA
PTA blocks phones at the IMEI level — meaning the phone's unique identifier is flagged across all networks in Pakistan simultaneously. Here is exactly what happens and what you can do:
What STOPS Working
- • Making and receiving phone calls
- • Sending and receiving SMS
- • Mobile data (4G/5G)
- • Roaming on all international networks
- • Switching to a different SIM card (same IMEI is blocked)
What STILL Works
- • WiFi internet connections
- • All apps that work on WiFi
- • Camera, photos, local storage
- • Bluetooth connections
- • Offline apps and games
How to Unblock Your PTA-Blocked Phone
Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk
Visit the DIRBS portal and login to your account. If you do not have an account, sign up with your CNIC, email, and phone number.
Select "Register Blocked Device"
Look for the blocked device registration option in the portal menu. This is specifically for phones that have already been blocked by PTA.
Enter Your IMEI Number
Type your blocked phone's IMEI number. Dial *#06# on the phone (it may still show the IMEI even while blocked) or find it on the original box or purchase receipt.
Pay the Applicable PTA Tax
The system calculates the tax based on your phone's market value. Pay via card, JazzCash, or Easypaisa. Note: if the free 60-day window expired, full tax applies with no exceptions.
Wait 24-48 Hours
After successful payment verification, DIRBS sends the unblocking command to all networks. Your phone's IMEI is removed from the blocked list and network services restore automatically.
🚫 Permanently Blacklisted Phones
If a phone was reported stolen and blacklisted by its original owner, it cannot be unblocked under any circumstances — even after paying PTA tax. A permanently blacklisted IMEI is removed from Pakistan's networks forever. This is why you must always check IMEI on 8484 before buying a used phone — a "stolen/blocked" reply means the phone is worthless for network use.
🔍PTA IMEI Check Before Buying a Used Phone
Pakistan's used phone market is enormous — and unfortunately, a significant number of phones sold there are either PTA non-compliant (meaning you will need to pay registration tax), or worse, stolen and blacklisted. Protect yourself with this 3-minute check before handing over any money.
The 3-Minute Pre-Purchase Checklist
Ask the seller to dial *#06# in your presence — note the IMEI number displayed on screen
Send that IMEI number via SMS to 8484 using your own SIM
Wait for the reply (under 2 minutes)
"Compliant" → Safe to buy. The phone is registered. You inherit the registration.
"Non-compliant" → Negotiate: factor the PTA registration tax into your purchase price. Get a discount equivalent to the tax amount.
"Stolen/Blocked" → Walk away. Do NOT buy. This phone cannot be legally used on any network in Pakistan — ever.
Dual-SIM Phone — Check Both IMEIs
For a dual-SIM phone, *#06# shows both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Check both via 8484. Some sellers register only one IMEI — buying such a phone means you must register the second IMEI and pay additional tax. Factor this into your negotiation.
📋PTA Registration for Different Scenarios
The right action depends on how you acquired the phone. Use this table to find your exact situation and know what to do:
| Your Situation | What to Do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New phone from authorized shop (Pakistan) | Nothing — dealer auto-registers | Included in price |
| Phone from abroad — 1st device this year | Register on DIRBS as International Traveler within 60 days | FREE (baggage rule) |
| Phone from abroad — 2nd+ device this year | Register on DIRBS + pay tax | PKR 550–37,500+ |
| Phone received via international courier | Register on DIRBS (Courier option) + pay tax | PKR 550–37,500+ |
| Used phone (already PTA approved) | Nothing — registration transfers with device | FREE |
| Used phone (not PTA approved) | Register on DIRBS + pay tax | PKR 550–37,500+ |
| Grey-market phone from local market | Check IMEI on 8484, then register if non-compliant | PKR 550–37,500+ |
| Dual-SIM phone (both slots) | Register BOTH IMEIs separately on DIRBS | Tax applies per IMEI |
| PTA-blocked phone (bought used) | Register on DIRBS → "Register Blocked Device" + pay tax | PKR 550–37,500+ |
| Stolen/blacklisted phone | Cannot register or unblock — return or report it | N/A — phone is unusable |
10 Common PTA Registration Problems & Fixes
Problem 1: "IMEI not found in DIRBS database"
Fix: Try again after 30 minutes — DIRBS sometimes has database sync delays. If the problem persists, the phone may be counterfeit (fake IMEI). A counterfeit phone cannot be registered with PTA and is illegal to use on Pakistani networks.
Problem 2: "Payment completed but registration not reflecting"
Fix: DIRBS typically takes 24-48 hours to process payment and update status. Keep your payment confirmation number/screenshot. If still not updated after 48 hours, email dirbs@pta.gov.pk with your IMEI and payment reference.
Problem 3: "Document verification failed"
Fix: Ensure your passport photo page, travel stamps, and CNIC are clearly readable in the uploaded files. File size must be under 5MB. Supported formats are JPG and PDF. Re-upload clearer scans. If dates mismatch between passport stamps and registration date, contact PTA support.
Problem 4: "60-day window expired — can I still get it free?"
Fix: No — once 60 days pass after the phone first connected to a Pakistani network, the free registration window is permanently closed. You must pay full PTA tax. There are no exceptions or appeals for this rule. Always register within 60 days.
Problem 5: "Bought a used phone that was already blocked by PTA"
Fix: The previous owner never registered the phone. You must now register it and pay the full PTA tax under "Register Blocked Device." Contact the seller and demand a refund equivalent to the tax amount — this is the seller's responsibility. For future purchases, always check IMEI on 8484 before buying.
Problem 6: "Can't register — IMEI shows as stolen"
Fix: A "stolen" status means the original owner reported the phone stolen. The IMEI is permanently blacklisted. This phone cannot be registered or used on any Pakistani network regardless of payment. If you bought it in good faith, file a police report against the seller.
Problem 7: "Registration successful but phone still blocked"
Fix: Network unblocking takes 24-48 hours after registration is confirmed. Restart your phone 48 hours after receiving the registration confirmation SMS. If still blocked after 48 hours, call PTA helpline 0800-28281 with your registration reference number.
Problem 8: "Dual-SIM phone — only one IMEI registered, second slot blocked"
Fix: You must register both IMEIs separately on DIRBS. Login to your account, go to your registered devices, and add the second IMEI using the same registration process. Pay applicable tax for the second IMEI if required.
Problem 9: "DIRBS website is down / not working"
Fix: DIRBS occasionally has maintenance windows. Try again after 2-4 hours. Use the DIRBS mobile app as an alternative. For urgent registration (approaching 60-day deadline), call PTA helpline 0800-28281 to request manual assistance.
Problem 10: "Registered but want to transfer phone to family member"
Fix: PTA registration is tied to the device IMEI, not a specific user. When you give a PTA-approved phone to a family member, they can use it on their SIM without any additional registration. The IMEI compliance remains regardless of who uses the phone.
PTA Contact Information
SIM Biometric Verification — What It Is and Why It Matters
Since 2015, Pakistan requires biometric verification for all SIM registrations. This means your fingerprint must be scanned and matched against the NADRA database to confirm your identity before a SIM can be issued in your name. This applies to every network — Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone.
When Biometric Verification Is Required
- •Buying a new SIM card
- •Replacing a lost or damaged SIM
- •Porting your number to a different network (MNP)
- •Re-activating a SIM that was deactivated
- •Upgrading from 2G to 4G SIM
What Happens Without Biometric Verification
- •SIM cannot be activated or issued
- •Existing unverified SIMs can be blocked by PTA in compliance drives
- •Mobile banking (JazzCash, Easypaisa) cannot be activated
- •No SIM can be transferred or ported
- •The SIM remains suspended until biometric is done
How to Complete Biometric SIM Verification
Visit any authorized franchise of your network operator
Bring your original CNIC (not a photocopy — the biometric scanner reads the CNIC chip)
The franchise agent places your CNIC on the NADRA-linked biometric scanner
You place your thumb (or finger) on the fingerprint scanner
The system matches your fingerprint against NADRA's database in real time
Upon successful match, SIM registration is confirmed and activated
Biometric verification requires a valid CNIC. If your CNIC is expired, your biometric verification may fail and you will not be able to get a new SIM or replace an existing one until you renew your CNIC. See our complete NADRA CNIC renewal guide to renew your CNIC in 30 minutes online. Also, secure your SIM-linked accounts with a strong password.