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In a major technological and regulatory milestone, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that 826,000 stolen mobile phones have been successfully blocked since the launch of the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). In addition, over 55 million fake or replica mobile phones have also been identified and barred from use, helping to cleanse Pakistan’s telecom networks of unauthorized and low-quality devices.
This crackdown on counterfeit and stolen devices is part of the PTA’s broader effort to secure the mobile ecosystem, promote fair trade practices, and encourage legitimate commerce in the smartphone and mobile manufacturing sector.
DIRBS: A Robust Tool Against Illegal Devices
Launched in 2018, DIRBS has become one of Pakistan’s most effective regulatory tools in curbing phone theft, fraud, and smuggling. The system identifies, tracks, and blocks mobile devices that are:
- Stolen
- Not registered properly
- Fake or replica phones
- Using cloned or duplicated IMEIs
According to the latest PTA figures:
- 826,000 reported stolen phones were blocked
- 55 million counterfeit and unauthorized devices were prevented from connecting to local networks
This not only protects consumers but also reinforces trust in the mobile device ecosystem.
Local Manufacturing Covers 94% of Market Demand
While combatting illegal activity, Pakistan’s mobile phone industry has made remarkable strides in local manufacturing. As of mid-2025, over 136 million devices have been assembled or manufactured domestically since 2019.
Annual Local Manufacturing Highlights:
- 2019: 11.74 million units
- 2020: 13.05 million units (11% increase)
- 2021: 24.66 million units (89% increase)
- 2022: 21.94 million units
- 2023: 21.28 million units (slight dip)
- 2024: 31.38 million units (47% increase from 2023)
- Jan-May 2025: 12.05 million units already produced
With this production boom, local manufacturing now meets over 94% of Pakistan’s total mobile phone demand, drastically reducing reliance on costly imports.
Commercial Imports See Sharp Decline
As local production gains traction, Pakistan’s dependency on imported phones has significantly declined. Commercial imports dropped from 16.28 million units in 2019 to just 0.76 million units in the first five months of 2025.
This shift toward domestic production brings multiple benefits:
- Reduction in foreign exchange outflows
- Enhanced employment opportunities
- Growth in local supply chains and component vendors
- Strengthened national security via controlled supply routes
Economic Impact: Jobs and Revenue Generation
The growth of mobile manufacturing in Pakistan has fueled economic development in multiple ways. As per PTA’s latest report:
- 36 local manufacturing facilities have been established
- Approximately 60,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created
- The Government of Pakistan collected Rs. 83.04 billion under the individual import category between January 2019 and June 2025
Moreover, the industry continues to attract investment due to:
- A robust regulatory framework
- Strong consumer demand for smartphones
- Government support and tax incentives for local assembly
Smartphones Dominate Domestic Production
An encouraging trend within the local production space is the rising share of smartphones. In 2024 alone:
- 37% of the devices assembled locally were smartphones
- 59% of smartphone production was led by Mobile Device Manufacturers (MDMs)
This reflects increasing digital adoption across the country and a shift from basic feature phones to smart, connected devices capable of running modern apps and services.
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PTA’s Vision: A Secure, Self-Reliant Digital Future
With DIRBS eliminating illegal handsets and local manufacturing meeting most of the country’s demand, the PTA is aligning itself with Pakistan’s “Digital Pakistan Vision”, which seeks to:
- Promote secure digital access
- Enhance telecom infrastructure
- Encourage local innovation and self-reliance
- Enable financial inclusion through mobile penetration
The regulator is also actively working on policy reforms to support 4G and 5G expansion, fintech integration, and a transparent telecom licensing framework.
Conclusion: A Success Story in Telecom Regulation and Industry Growth
The successful implementation of DIRBS and the exponential growth in local mobile manufacturing stand out as key achievements for Pakistan’s telecom sector. While blocking 826,000 stolen phones and 55 million fake devices, the PTA has simultaneously laid the foundation for a sustainable, locally-driven mobile industry.
With over 136 million devices manufactured locally, imports nearly phased out, and job creation on the rise, Pakistan’s mobile phone ecosystem is heading toward self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and technological advancement.
As the nation moves further into the digital age, initiatives like DIRBS, coupled with strategic support for local industry, will continue to play a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan into a regional tech manufacturing hub.
