Islamabad, Apr 20, 2025: In a decisive effort to combat the rising issue of IMEI tampering and cloning, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Sukkur Regional Office, in partnership with the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Center, has taken strong action.
PTA successfully raided a mobile shop located in the well-known mobile market of Old Sabzi Mandi, Pano Aqil City.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a Dell Core i5 laptop, a USB device loaded with CM2 software commonly used for illegal IMEI modifications, and five mobile phones suspected of being involved in the tampering process.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) apprehended the shop owner on the spot and filed an official case (FIR) against him.
This raid highlights the seriousness of the threat that IMEI cloning poses to Pakistan’s mobile security.
Such practices allow criminal elements to make untraceable calls and messages, contributing to cybercrimes, online fraud, and even organized criminal activities.
By altering or duplicating unique mobile identifiers, offenders are able to bypass standard tracking mechanisms, making it nearly impossible to trace their digital footprint.
After the first 100 words, it’s important to note that the PTA, with constant support from the FIA, is intensifying its surveillance on illegal mobile handset modifications.
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Their joint strategy includes consistent monitoring, surprise inspections, and strict legal action against violators involved in IMEI tampering.
This latest PTA raid in Pano Aqil is part of a broader crackdown that aims to dismantle the underground networks responsible for manipulating IMEI numbers.
Officials have reiterated that these criminal activities not only compromise national digital infrastructure but also enable widespread misuse of communication channels.
The PTA is also raising public awareness, urging citizens to avoid buying second-hand or unregistered mobile phones.
PTA advises buyers to verify the IMEI number of their devices through official channels before making any purchases.
With these proactive steps, Pakistan is taking a firm stand against mobile device fraud, reinforcing its commitment to digital transparency and public safety.
