The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked over 5,000 mobile phone numbers involved in fraudulent activities during 2024 as part of its ongoing efforts to combat telecommunications fraud, building upon the country’s comprehensive mobile security framework that includes biometric SIM verification requirements.
According to official data, the regulatory body blocked a total of 5,294 mobile numbers that were identified as being used in fraudulent schemes. The authority also blocked 4,507 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers as part of the same enforcement initiative. These actions represent a significant expansion of the PTA’s fraud prevention measures, which have evolved since the implementation of the country’s Device Verification System (DVS) in 2019.
The blocking measures are central to the PTA’s broader strategy to enhance the security of Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. The authority implements these restrictions through its technical systems that can identify and disable numbers associated with illegal activities, supporting the country’s national digital identity infrastructure.
The enforcement action continues the PTA’s work from previous years to prevent telecommunications-based fraud through technical and regulatory measures. The authority maintains the capability to block both individual phone numbers and device identifiers when they are found to be involved in fraudulent activities, working in conjunction with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to verify user identities.
The IMEI blocking capability specifically targets the hardware of mobile devices, preventing them from accessing cellular networks even if different SIM cards are inserted. The measure provides an additional layer of enforcement beyond simple number blocking and works in conjunction with Pakistan’s biometric verification system for SIM card registration, which requires fingerprint authentication for mobile service activation.
Sources: 92 News HD, Pakistan Observer, TechJuice
Follow Us