THE Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a new automated system for the blocking of lost, stolen and snatched mobile phones.
Titled ‘Lost & Stolen Device System (LSDS)’ the new system will provide ease and facilitation to the users who want to get a mobile phone blocked in case it has been stolen, snatched or lost.
Mobile phone theft and snatching has become a big issue for people as thousands of citizens are deprived of their gadgets in a year inflicting financial losses and mental torture on the victims.
As cellular penetration has increased tremendously, the instance of theft and robbery has also increased and sale and purchase of stolen handsets has become a soaring business.
Mobile phone snatching is part of the growing street crime and the inability of the law-enforcing agencies to stem the crime makes it all the more important to evolve systems and mechanisms that can serve as disincentive for snatchers and thieves.
Though PTA already had a procedure for receiving complaints about phone thefts under which users approached the PTA for the blocking or unblocking of lost, stolen or snatched mobile phones via its toll-free number, by sending an email at [email protected] or through CPLC Karachi but practically all these mechanisms were not fully responsive.
One was lucky enough if he or she got a response from the toll-free number or prompt action on e-mail or complaint to CPLC.
In this backdrop, the launching of LSDS automated system, which is integrated with the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), might come as a big relief to the users.
Under the new system, the stolen mobile phone will be blocked within 24 hours of reporting after necessary verification.
It would be appropriate if, apart from blocking the IMEI, a system is evolved to track the device and apprehend the culprits with the help of police.
