ISLAMABAD – Pakistan saw surge in illegal devices, mostly Apple iPhones which are cloned or tempered to cheat the PTA system, but now authorities are taking stern measures against these devices.
Amid the growing numbers, PTA issued stern warning to users of cloned smartphones, including fake iPhones, and those using mobile devices with altered or fake IMEI numbers, and violators are now under serious threat of arrest and prosecution.
In recent raid conducted by PTA’s Zonal Office Faisalabad, officials of National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), law enforcement officials raised mobile shops and seized several cloned mobile phones while shop owner was immediately taken into custody.
This operation comes amid broader enforcement drive as telecom officials made it clear: anyone using or selling cloned phones or tampered devices will face strict legal consequences. Whether you’re a buyer knowingly using a fake iPhone or a seller involved in IMEI manipulation, you’ll face action.
According to PTA, phones with fake or cloned IMEIs pose a major risk to national security. These devices are often used in criminal activities, such as cybercrime, kidnapping, extortion, and financial fraud, due to the anonymity they provide to users.
“The era of using ghost phones is over. We will not tolerate illegal mobile use under any circumstances,” a PTA spokesperson said.
Also, devices with tampered IMEIs may soon be blocked permanently from Pakistani mobile networks. Buying cloned phones from unauthorized dealers can now land you in legal trouble.
Buyers have been urged to verify IMEI numbers before purchasing any phone, especially second-hand iPhones.
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