Six held in crackdown on smartphone IMEI tampering, cloned devices 

ABBOTTABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), carried out a joint operation against illegal mobile phone activities in Abbottabad, targeting shops involved in IMEI tampering and the sale of cloned devices. 

The raids focused on mobile repair shops located near Sufi Hotel and Lorry Adda in Mansehra. Authorities confiscated desktop computers and specialised software used for altering IMEI numbers—unique identifiers assigned to mobile phones. Six suspects were arrested during the operation and are now in custody as legal proceedings move forward. 

The PTA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal alteration of mobile phone identifiers, warning that such practices pose serious risks to national security and public safety. These include the potential for cybercrime, financial fraud, and the circumvention of lawful device registration systems. 

The telecom regulator also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to phone cloning or tampering, adding that enforcement efforts against such violations are being further intensified. 

Confusion among JV iPhone users after misleading videos circulate online 

A wave of confusion has emerged among Pakistani users of JV iPhones, following videos circulating on social media claiming that authorities are cracking down on their use and sale. 

The videos, widely shared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, falsely suggested that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and PTA were taking action against JV iPhone users and retailers. 

However, a mobile phone shop owner at Singapore Plaza in Rawalpindi Saddar, speaking to Hum News on condition of anonymity, said that no such crackdown has been announced by either the FBR or PTA. “The market is still full of buyers and sellers dealing in JV iPhones,” he said. 

The shopkeeper explained that the authorities are actually targeting phones involved in more serious manipulations, such as IMEI tampering, CPID changes, and patched devices, which deceive the PTA’s system and lead to tax evasion. “These devices are blocked because they exploit loopholes and cause financial losses,” he added. 

Although some argue that JV iPhones also contribute to revenue loss, there has been no official word against them so far. For now, these devices continue to be widely available in cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. 

Read next: Pakistan’s freelance export earnings poised to hit $500 million in FY25