Before you buy a new or used phone in Pakistan, check that it is PTA approved. A phone that is not registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can be blocked on local SIMs, which makes it useless for calls and mobile data. The good news is that the check is free and takes less than a minute.
Step 1: Find the Phone’s IMEI Number
Every phone has a 15-digit IMEI number. Dual-SIM phones have two.
- Dial *#06# on the phone. The IMEI appears on screen.
- Or open Settings > About phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone).
- The IMEI is also printed on the box. Make sure the box and phone numbers match.
Step 2: Check the IMEI with PTA
PTA’s Device Verification System (DVS) is part of DIRBS. You can use any of these three methods:
By SMS (works on any phone)
Send the 15-digit IMEI number in an SMS to 8484. You will get a reply with the status of the device.
On the DIRBS website
Open dirbs.pta.gov.pk, choose the device verification option, enter the IMEI and complete the captcha.
In the DVS app
Install PTA’s Device Verification System (DVS) app from the Play Store or App Store and enter the IMEI.
What the PTA Status Means
- Compliant / approved: the phone is registered and will work on Pakistani SIMs.
- Non-compliant / not registered: the phone is not registered. It may work for a short time on a new SIM and is then blocked until the PTA tax is paid.
- Invalid IMEI: the number is wrong or the phone may be a copy. Recheck the digits; if the result stays the same, do not buy the phone.
For dual-SIM phones, check both IMEI numbers. Both should show as approved.
Buying a Used Phone? Check These Too
- The IMEI on the screen, the box and the SIM tray (if printed) should all match.
- Insert your own SIM and make a test call before paying.
- Ask for the original box and purchase receipt.
What If the Phone Is Not PTA Approved?
You can register it by paying the PTA tax through the DIRBS portal. The tax depends on the phone’s value and whether you register with a passport or CNIC. Use our PTA tax calculator for an estimate, and read how to check PTA tax on your phone for the exact amount and payment steps.
To skip the hassle, buy a PTA approved phone. Every phone on MobileSpot shows its PTA price; browse all mobiles or new mobiles.
