How to Check PTA Approval Status in Pakistan
Before you pay for any phone in Pakistan — new or used — check its PTA approval status. A non-approved phone can be blocked from local networks, and the check takes less than a minute.
Step 1: Find the phone's IMEI
Dial *#06# on the phone and the IMEI number (or two, on a dual-SIM phone) appears on screen. You can also find it in Settings > About phone, or on the box. Check both IMEIs on a dual-SIM phone — each SIM slot is verified separately.
Step 2: Check it officially
Send the IMEI by SMS to 8484, or enter it at dirbs.pta.gov.pk (the PTA's Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System). DIRBS is the only official source: a shop's word, a sticker, or a seller's screenshot is not proof.
What the result means
Compliant means the phone is registered and will work on local networks. Non-compliant means it is not registered — you will need to pay the applicable duty and register it before it keeps working. A blocked result means the device is reported or barred and should not be bought.
If the phone is not approved
Estimate the duty first with the PTA Tax Calculator (passport route and CNIC route give different totals), then register through DIRBS. Never pay full price for a non-approved phone without subtracting the duty you will owe — see the PTA vs non-PTA guide. And never share your IMEI publicly: it identifies your device.
Tools on this site
Use the free tools on the homepage: the PTA Tax Calculator, the Smart Finder and Compare Mobiles (up to 3 phones side by side).