The auction of over 10,000 confiscated mobile phones has been stalled due to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) failure to whitelist these devices through its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
The seized phones, which include premium models such as iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices, were confiscated at major airports including Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. Without PTA’s clearance, these phones cannot be activated or legally auctioned, resulting in mounting losses.
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According to customs officials, repeated written requests have been sent to the PTA to begin the whitelisting process, but no action has been taken so far. The delay is not only causing depreciation in the market value of the smartphones but is also preventing the government from earning millions in potential revenue.
In an effort to resolve the issue, the Customs Department has formally submitted several lists of the devices to the PTA and proposed the integration of an automated system that would enable real-time whitelisting of confiscated phones across the country. This would streamline the process and prevent future delays.
However, a PTA spokesperson has denied receiving any formal request for the whitelisting of these phones.
