By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
In a decisive move against the illegal mobile phone market, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently conducted a major enforcement raid at Singapore Plaza, one of Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial centers for electronics. The raid was carried out with the support of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and local law enforcement agencies. This operation targeted the illegal sale and modification of mobile devices, specifically focusing on CPID tampering and the circulation of “patched” phones.
The raid is part of PTA’s ongoing efforts to curb the grey market for mobile phones and to ensure that all mobile devices in circulation comply with Pakistan’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). The system is designed to combat the use of smuggled or unregistered phones and protect consumers from fraudulent or substandard devices.
CPID, or Custom Product Identification, is a unique identifier assigned to registered mobile devices. Tampering with this identifier or selling phones that have been modified to bypass registration systems is illegal under Pakistani law. Patched phones, which often have software or hardware alterations to spoof legitimate identification numbers, pose serious risks to national security, user privacy, and the economic integrity of the mobile device market.
During the raid at Singapore Plaza, PTA officials discovered a large quantity of mobile phones that had been illegally patched or had fake or altered identification numbers. Several shopkeepers were found to be engaged in modifying the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of imported handsets, making them appear as if they were legally registered. In many cases, these phones were sold to unsuspecting customers who were unaware of the modifications and the potential consequences.
The operation led to the confiscation of hundreds of mobile phones along with technical equipment used to carry out the illegal modifications. Several individuals were taken into custody for further investigation, and cases are expected to be filed under the relevant sections of Pakistan’s telecommunication and cybercrime laws.
The PTA has been active in monitoring and shutting down such illegal operations, particularly after the implementation of DIRBS in 2019. The system requires all mobile phones in Pakistan to be registered with the PTA using their IMEI numbers. Devices not registered are automatically blocked from accessing local mobile networks. This measure aims to eliminate the influx of smuggled mobile phones and ensure that only legally imported or locally manufactured devices are used in the country.
Enforcement actions like the one at Singapore Plaza are part of a broader strategy to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the mobile phone market. The PTA regularly conducts market surveys and works in coordination with customs, the FIA, and local police to identify hotspots where illegal activities related to mobile devices are taking place. Singapore Plaza, due to its large volume of electronic trade, has been under surveillance for some time.
Retailers found guilty of modifying mobile devices or selling unregistered phones face significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and the permanent closure of their business premises. These steps are intended to deter others from engaging in similar unlawful practices and to send a strong message that the government is serious about regulating the telecommunications sector.
Public awareness has also been a key focus for the PTA. The authority has been running campaigns to inform consumers about the importance of checking a phone’s IMEI status before purchasing. Tools such as SMS-based IMEI checks and online portals are provided by PTA to verify whether a device is approved and legally registered in the country.
The recent raid underscores the PTA’s commitment to enforcing telecommunications regulations and combating the grey market. It also highlights the growing need for businesses and consumers to understand and comply with the rules governing mobile device usage in Pakistan. The authority has reiterated its resolve to continue such operations and take strict action against violators to safeguard both consumers and the legal mobile phone industry.