Islamabad, Feb 3: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has responded to concerns about the import of Indian-made mobile devices, particularly iPhones, clarifying that the responsibility to prevent such imports falls outside its jurisdiction.
This response follows a recent advisory by the Cabinet Division, which raised alarms over the potential cybersecurity risks posed by Indian-manufactured mobile devices, including iPhones.
In its statement, PTA emphasized that, under the Import Order 2022, all Indian products are banned from entering Pakistan. Indian-manufactured iPhones and other mobile devices are also subject to a blacklisting process, which means they cannot be officially registered in Pakistan.
To reinforce this, PTA ensures that the Type Allocation Code (TAC) allocated to Indian devices by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) is blocked.
This measure effectively prevents the registration of such devices within Pakistan’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), making it impossible for these phones to be activated with local SIM cards.
However, PTA clarified that it does not possess the legal authority to directly regulate the sale or purchase of mobile phones in the market. The responsibility to prevent the import or smuggling of these devices lies with Pakistan’s customs and other relevant enforcement authorities.
PTA further stated that its role is confined to ensuring that mobile devices meet the technical standards set by the Telecommunications (Re-Organization) Act 1996 and the Terminal Device Type Approval Technical Regulation 2021.
Read More:
Ghani Chemical, Mari Energies, OGDC Finalize Gas Deal
Additionally, PTA reassured the public that no Indian-made iPhones or other devices are whitelisted for use in Pakistan. As a result, Indian mobile devices cannot legally be activated or used with local SIM cards, reinforcing the ban on these products.
By highlighting the separation of responsibilities between PTA and customs, the authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing technical standards while leaving the task of regulating imports to the appropriate departments.
In conclusion, while PTA plays a vital role in maintaining Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure, it is not tasked with preventing the import or smuggling of Indian-made mobile phones. This responsibility belongs to customs and other relevant authorities, ensuring that the regulations governing mobile device imports are fully enforced across the country.
