PTA blocks nearly 2,000 mobile numbers over fraud in 2024–25

Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stepped up its crackdown on telecom fraud, blocking thousands of mobile connections and devices during the financial year 2024–25, according to official documents.

The regulator blocked 1,875 mobile numbers found to be involved in fraudulent activities, while 1,604 mobile phone sets were disabled by blocking their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, making them unusable on local networks.

In addition, PTA blacklisted 69 national identity cards linked to repeat offenders and issued 6,014 warning notices to users suspected of suspicious activity.

The authority said the actions reflect continuous monitoring aimed at preventing the misuse of mobile services.

The measures were taken through PTA’s Fraud Management Module, operating under the Spam and Fraud Protection Rules, 2020.

Launched in 2021, the system works alongside DIRBS and subscriber data platforms to strengthen enforcement.

PTA also reported handling over 512,000 consumer calls during the year through its toll-free helpline.