Has PTA delayed action against CPID, JV, and IMEI-patched non-PTA smartphones?

LAHORE: Despite widespread reports from various Pakistani news outlets suggesting that action would be taken against smuggled and non-duty-paid smartphones, the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has not yet implemented measures against such mobiles in the country.

Initial reports from earlier this month indicated that the telecom authority would initiate an operation against smuggled and non-PTA-approved smartphones, specifically targeting those utilising gevey (commonly known as JV), Certificate Personal ID (CPID), and IMEI-patch technologies.

The news of potential action by the telecom authority in December 2023 sparked concerns among a significant number of smartphone users in Pakistan.

Many individuals utilising non-PTA-approved devices feared that the authority would not only scrutinise these smartphones but also target those involved in their sale.

Reports indicated that such unapproved mobile phones were causing significant financial losses to the country, as they often evade taxes and are sold at lower prices without the requisite PTA approval fees.

Despite these concerns, Pakistani markets continue to be flooded with CPID, IMEI-patched Androids, and many iPhones. These devices remain attractive to consumers due to their lower cost compared to officially PTA-approved and duty-paid mobiles.

While speculation persists that the tax authority may be planning a crackdown on such devices, weeks have passed without any official updates or announcements regarding a ban on CPID and IMEI-patched phones.

Consequently, some popular mobile markets continue to sell these devices, as the anticipated action by the authorities has not materialised.

The delay in implementing measures against smuggled phones raises questions about the effectiveness of the proposed crackdown and leaves consumers and vendors in a state of uncertainty.

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