To address the escalating issue of illicit mobile phones inundating the Pakistani market, authorities have declared a comprehensive crackdown targeting non-PTA registered and patched devices.
This initiative responds to substantial revenue losses attributed to the rampant use of manipulated International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers—an illicit practice of evading taxes imposed on mobile phones.
The Pakistani government had earlier imposed customs taxes on mobile phones, particularly focusing on high-end devices. However, the steep Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) registration fees and taxes prompted consumers to explore illegal channels to obtain phones at a reduced cost.
As IMEI tampering gains traction, individuals facing financial strain from elevated taxes in Pakistan have resorted to this illegal practice to bypass PTA registration fees. Some have even replaced original IMEI numbers with those from more affordable Nokia keypad phones, effectively circumventing the system.
Law enforcement agencies have identified a sophisticated smuggling racket involved in bringing mobile phones into Pakistan, primarily from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries.
As part of the crackdown, online platforms facilitating IMEI patching services, such as cpidserver.com, are slated to be blocked in Pakistan.