The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken significant action against the use of illegal mobile devices. PTA blocks 826,000 stolen phones using its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Additionally, 55 million fake or counterfeit phones have been detected and blocked.
This move is part of a broader effort to stop the use of unauthorized and poor-quality devices on local networks. DIRBS helps trace and block such phones by verifying their IMEI numbers.
Along with blocking illegal phones, PTA also shared data on local mobile manufacturing. Since 2019, over 136 million mobile phones have been made or assembled in Pakistan. Of these, 37% were smartphones.
The local industry has shown strong growth over the years. In 2019, 11.74 million devices were assembled. This rose to 13.05 million in 2020, an 11% increase. In 2021, the number jumped to 24.66 million, showing an 89% growth. The upward trend continued with 21.94 million devices in 2022 and 21.28 million in 2023.
Despite a slight dip in 2023, production rebounded in 2024, reaching 31.38 million devices. That was a 47% increase from the previous year. In just the first five months of 2025, 12.05 million phones have already been produced.
PTA’s report also revealed that 94% of Pakistan’s mobile phone demand is now met through local manufacturing. This has dramatically reduced the need for imports. Commercial phone imports dropped from 16.28 million in 2019 to only 0.76 million in the first five months of 2025.
Local production has also helped create jobs and boost the economy. So far, 36 mobile manufacturing facilities have been established. Around 60,000 jobs have been created in this sector.
Moreover, the government has earned Rs. 83.04 billion in revenue under the individual import category between January 2019 and June 2025.
In 2024, 59% of all smartphones made in Pakistan were produced by Mobile Device Manufacturers (MDMs). This shows growing investment and confidence in the local mobile industry.
PTA’s efforts reflect a strong push for secure networks, better regulation, and self-reliance in mobile technology.
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