Pakistan unveils new system to block stolen, lost mobile phones

Complainants can easily file a request with PTA for blocking IMEI of lost handset to prevent it from potential misuse

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a new automated Lost & Stolen Device System (LSDS) for blocking of lost, stolen and snatched mobile phones.

“The new system will provide ease and facilitation to users who want to get mobile phone blocked in case it has been stolen, snatched or lost,” a statement issued by the country’s telecom authority said.

Complainants can easily file a request with the PTA for blocking the IMEI of such handset to prevent it from potential misuse, it added.

The LSDS is an automated system and integrated with the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

“The stolen mobile phone will be blocked within 24 hours of reporting after necessary verification.”
According to the official statement, users will have to lodge a blocking request with the PTA through PTA’s online Complaint

Management System (CMS) available at www.pta.gov.pk. The complainant will receive a complaint reference number upon successful registration of blocking request.

“If the phone has been recovered, the complainant will have to follow the same procedure for unblocking through CMS and mention their complaint reference number along with other mandatory detail that was given to them earlier for blocking of mobile phone,” the communique said, adding, “User will receive an SMS on the registered number once the mobile phone is unblocked.”

It is pertinent to mention here that snatched and lost mobile phones can be blocked or unblocked by calling the PTA’s toll free number 0800-25625, sending email to [e-mail] or through CPLC, Karachi. After launch of the new system, these mediums will not be available for blocking or unblocking of phones, the statement added.