PTA Temporarily Suspends Mobile Phone Registration Service. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially announced a temporary suspension of its mobile phone registration service due to planned maintenance by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The interruption will impact thousands of users who rely on the Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) to register imported or newly purchased mobile phones.
If you are planning to register your device, this guide explains the downtime schedule, reasons behind the suspension, what users should do, and when services will resume.
Why PTA Has Suspended Mobile Phone Registration Service?
According to the official announcement, the FBR will conduct scheduled system maintenance, during which the DIRBS system will remain offline. Since DIRBS is directly linked to FBR’s verification servers, PTA must pause all device registration processes while the maintenance is underway.
This maintenance aims to improve backend performance, update system infrastructure, and ensure smoother operations in the future.
DIRBS Outage Schedule (Official Timings)
The Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (DIRBS) will be unavailable during the following time:
- Start Time: Saturday, 6th December 2025 – 10:00 PM
- Expected End Time: Sunday evening, 7th December 2025
During this window, users will not be able to:
- Register new mobile devices
- Check registration status
- Pay duties for phone registration
- Use any DIRBS-related service
PTA has emphasized that the downtime is temporary and all services will automatically resume once maintenance is completed.
Who Will Be Affected by the Suspension?
This disruption affects:
1. Overseas Pakistanis Returning Home
Travelers bringing phones from abroad will not be able to register devices during the outage.
2. Buyers of Imported Mobile Phones
Anyone who purchased a PTA-non-approved mobile device will need to wait until services restore.
3. Retailers & Mobile Shops
Retail outlets that use DIRBS for instant verification will face temporary delays.
PTA Advisory for Mobile Users
PTA has urged users to complete mobile registration before the outage begins, especially if:
- They need device registration urgently
- They must activate a foreign device within 60 days of arrival
- They require immediate network access on a new phone
The authority thanked the public for their patience and ensured that the service will be restored promptly once maintenance ends.
How DIRBS Helps Mobile Users in Pakistan?
DIRBS is a secure system that ensures:
Blocking of Stolen or Smuggled Phones
Restricts illegal devices from operating on local networks.
Verification of Genuine Devices
Users can confirm IMEI authenticity before buying.
Collection of Legal Duties & Taxes
FBR uses it to automate import duty assessment.
Protection Against Fake IMEIs
Improves overall digital safety for consumers.
Due to its nationwide importance, any temporary suspension directly affects mobile phone activation and registration processes.
What Should Users Do During the Outage?
While DIRBS remains offline, here are a few practical tips:
- Avoid buying PTA-non-approved phones until the service resumes
- Keep your IMEI safe and verify it later
- Wait before making duty payments since payment portals may not function
- Stay updated by following PTA’s official announcements
When Will Mobile Registration Services Resume?
PTA has confirmed that the service will be restored Sunday evening, 7th December 2025, after the FBR maintenance finishes. However, minor delays may occur as systems stabilize.
Users are encouraged to retry registration periodically once the scheduled downtime ends.
FAQs – PTA Mobile Registration Suspension 2025
1. Why is PTA suspending the mobile registration service?
Because FBR is conducting scheduled system maintenance, which affects DIRBS operations.
2. When will DIRBS be unavailable?
From 10:00 PM on 6th December to evening of 7th December 2025.
3. Can I register my phone during this period?
No, all registration-related services will remain offline temporarily.
4. Will duty payment services also stop?
Yes, device duty assessment and payment features will not work.
5. Can I still check my IMEI status?
IMEI verification and registration will both be unavailable.
6. Should overseas Pakistanis wait to register their phones?
Yes, they must wait until the service resumes.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of the PTA mobile phone registration service is part of an essential system upgrade by the FBR. Although the downtime may inconvenience many users, it ensures improved performance and better security for Pakistan’s digital ecosystem in the long run.
Anyone planning to register a device should do so before the maintenance window starts. PTA has reassured the public that services will return to normal by Sunday evening.
