Latest news with #PakistanTelecommunicationAuthority
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister lays foundation stone of NADRA Mega Centre
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday laid the foundation stone of a 10-storey National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Mega Centre, with construction expected to be completed by June 2026. Later, while chairing a high-level meeting at NADRA headquarters, the minister approved a nationwide crackdown on SIM cards issued against expired Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). According to an official statement issued here, the decision was made to strengthen digital identity verification and curb misuse of identification documents. In the first phase, SIM cards linked to CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier will be blocked. In subsequent phases, the policy will be extended to deactivated CNICs issued after 2017, ensuring that only valid and active identity cards are used for mobile phone registrations. During the briefing, NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar informed the meeting that, in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), SIM cards registered under the names of deceased individuals or holders of expired CNICs are already being deactivated. He raised concerns over the widespread storage of citizens' biometric data by various government departments and private service providers, warning that such practices pose significant risks of data theft and misuse. To address this issue, the chairman recommended the nationwide adoption of facial recognition technology — particularly beneficial for citizens facing difficulties with fingerprint verification. The minister endorsed the proposal and announced that the Ministry of Interior would issue directives to all relevant institutions to stop storing biometric data separately. He further confirmed that facial recognition technology will be implemented nationwide by December 31, 2025, under the ministry's direct supervision. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
Overseas Pakistani? Here's How To Keep Your Mobile Phone Working In Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 30: In recent years, many overseas Pakistanis visiting their homeland have encountered an unexpected and frustrating problem: their local Pakistani SIM cards stop working after a short period of use. While this may seem like a technical glitch or a telecom issue at first glance, the root cause lies in Pakistan's telecom regulatory policies, particularly those governed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The Core of the Problem: Device Registration The key issue revolves around the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) introduced by the PTA. This system was implemented to curb the smuggling of mobile phones, reduce grey market trade, and ensure that all devices on Pakistani networks are properly documented. When an overseas Pakistani brings a phone from abroad and inserts a local SIM card, the telecom network automatically checks whether the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is registered with the PTA. If the IMEI is not registered or not PTA-approved, the system allows a grace period—typically 60 days—for temporary use. Once that grace period expires, the phone is blocked from accessing Pakistani mobile networks with local SIM cards. One Phone, One Year: The Overseas Pakistani Allowance In response to the concerns of the diaspora, the PTA allows overseas Pakistanis to register one mobile phone per year duty-free, provided they have entered the country recently. This can be done through the official PTA DIRBS portal or device registration system, where users must provide their IMEI number, passport or CNIC, and proof of travel such as an entry stamp or travel details. The Role of Biometric Verification and SIM Limits SIM card blocking may also occur due to biometric verification issues or the five-SIMs-per-CNIC rule. If the visitor is using a foreign passport or their CNIC isn't active or properly verified, the system may restrict new SIM activations or suspend existing ones as a security precaution. Safe Options for Visitors To avoid disruption during visits to Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis have several options: Register your phone legally if you plan to use it with a local SIM. Buy a PTA-approved phone in Pakistan to ensure full compatibility. Use international roaming with your foreign SIM—phones using roaming are exempt from PTA restrictions. One Phone Per Year – Tax-Free for Overseas Pakistanis If you're a Pakistani citizen living abroad and you're visiting Pakistan: You can bring in 1 mobile phone per year without paying any tax. This is allowed once every 12 months, based on your travel record. You must register the phone with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) using the DIRBS portal: You'll need: - Passport number - CNIC/NICOP - IMEI number of the phone - Entry stamp or travel info (proves recent arrival) Additional Phones Are Taxable If you bring more than one phone per year, taxes/duties will apply on the extra devices. The amount depends on: - Phone model and brand - Customs valuation (not always the actual market price) - PTA's official tax/duty slab (updated frequently) Example: A new iPhone might incur PKR 80,000–150,000+ in tax, while lower-end phones may be taxed as little as PKR 5,000–20,000. A Word of Caution Using phones purchased from the grey market or bringing unregistered devices without checking PTA compliance can lead to connectivity loss, especially for those relying on local mobile services. It's important to heed warning SMS messages from PTA about registration deadlines to avoid service termination. For overseas Pakistanis, staying connected during visits is vital. While PTA's system aims to bring order and security to Pakistan's telecom ecosystem, travelers need to understand the rules, comply with the law, and take preventive steps. By registering devices properly and using approved phones, visitors can enjoy seamless communication without fear of abrupt disconnection.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTA chairman reconciles with ANP president
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman, visited the Bacha Khan Markaz to mend ties with the Awami National Party (ANP) President, Aimal Wali Khan, following a recent dispute. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both leaders embracing and reconciling their differences. The two had a disagreement during a session of the National Assembly's Standing Committee. In a gesture of goodwill and in accordance with Pashtun traditions, the PTA chairman arrived at Bacha Khan Markaz accompanied by a Jirga. Aimal Wali Khan warmly received the delegation and accepted their apology. Speaking on the occasion, Rehman said the misunderstanding that occurred was unintentional and regrettable. "I had expressed my regret at the time and have come here again to clear the air. I hold Senator Aimal Wali Khan and his family in the highest esteem," he stated.
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTA blocks 79 Indian digital platforms for spreading anti Pakistan propaganda
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Wednesday that it had blocked 16 Indian YouTube news channels, 31 YouTube video links, and 32 websites for allegedly spreading 'false information and anti-Pakistan propaganda.' The regulatory body stated that the blocked content was found to be 'disseminating misleading and harmful narratives aimed at manipulating public perception and undermining national unity.' National Security Council condemns India's 'illegal acts', says Pakistan reserves right to respond in self-defence The decision comes amid heightened regional instability, with PTA emphasizing its commitment to protecting Pakistan's 'digital ecosystem.' 'This action has been taken in light of the prevailing regional situation to safeguard national security,' the PTA said in its press release. The authority further warned that it would 'continue to actively monitor online content and take firm action against any material that threatens the country's national interests.' The crackdown is part of PTA's broader efforts to combat disinformation and ensure 'responsible use of digital platforms.' Authorities have not disclosed the names of the blocked channels or websites but confirmed that they were promoting 'anti-Pakistan propaganda.' The PTA has urged citizens to report suspicious online content, reinforcing its stance against 'misinformation campaigns.'
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PTA with Japan sought to ease tariffs
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) withdrew directives on clearing houses which led to spike in calling rates for overseas callers. Pakistan has raised serious concerns over high tariffs imposed by Japan and calls for entering into a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to ensure fair competition and balanced tariffs. Secretary of Commerce Jawad Paul has advocated for entering into a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Japan to ensure fair competition and balanced tariffs. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a key meeting with the Ambassador of Japan on Monday, focusing on strengthening trade relations and addressing long-standing tariff issues. During the meeting, the minister proposed holding a dedicated Pakistan-Japan Business Forum to enhance bilateral commercial ties. Secretary of Commerce pointed out that Pakistan faces higher tariff barriers compared to other countries in the region, limiting its competitiveness in the Japanese market. Under Japan's Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), Pakistan's textile exports face an average tariff of 5.36%, while leather products are subject to an average tariff of 16% under Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs). In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade stood at $1.33 billion, with Pakistan exporting only $194 million worth of goods to Japan, compared to $1.137 billion in imports. Minister Khan emphasised the urgent need to boost Pakistan's exports to Japan, which have remained stagnant and are significantly lower than imports. The Ambassador of Japan welcomed the proposal for a business forum and acknowledged Pakistan's concerns regarding high tariffs, assuring that these issues will be addressed. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The federal minister also stressed the importance of easing business travel through multiple-entry visas and encouraged Japanese investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan's textile, leather, surgical, and seafood sectors.
