How to Block Your Stolen/Lost Mobile Phone in Pakistan?

Losing your mobile phone isn’t just frustrating—it can also seriously risk your identity, finances, and private data. In Pakistan, where mobile theft cases are steadily increasing, it’s essential to act fast if your phone goes missing.

Your smartphone carries more than just contacts and messages. From banking apps and social media logins to sensitive personal photos, it accesses much of your digital life. Taking immediate action to block your stolen or lost mobile phone is not just smart—it’s a security necessity.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to address these growing concerns. This platform allows users to easily report stolen phones, block IMEI numbers, and prevent unauthorised use.

Immediate Actions After Your Mobile is Lost or Stolen

Every second counts when you realise your mobile phone is lost or stolen. Acting quickly can help you prevent unauthorised access and protect your data from falling into the wrong hands. Here’s what you need to do right away:

• Use Find My Device to Lock or Erase the Phone
  If your phone is still powered on and connected to the internet, use tools like Google’s Find My Device (Android) or iCloud Find iPhone (ios) to locate, lock, or even erase your data remotely. This step saves you critical time and prevents potential misuse.
  
• Remotely Log Out of All Accounts
  Head to your Google Account or Apple ID dashboard and sign out from all devices. Don’t forget key apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and banking apps—many of them allow remote session management. This will prevent access to sensitive data and conversations.
  
• Call Your SIM Provider to Block the Number
  Contact your network operator (Jazz, Telenor, Zong, or Ufone) and request that your SIM card be temporarily blocked. This prevents the thief from misusing your number for OTPS, financial fraud, or impersonation.
  
• Note Down or Retrieve Your IMEI Number
  Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code required when reporting the phone as lost to the PTA. If you saved it earlier, locate it now. If not, you may find it on the phone’s box, warranty card, or original purchase invoice. Alternatively, check your Google account’s Find My Device history to recover it.

How to Block Your Mobile Phone via PTA DIRBS

Once you’ve secured your online accounts and SIM, the next and most crucial step is to block your lost or stolen mobile phone through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). This ensures your phone becomes unusable, even if someone changes the SIM card.

Follow these steps to block your phone officially:

🔗 Step 1: Visit the DIRBS Portal

Go to the official PTA DIRBS portal:
👉 https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/

📱 Step 2: Select “Stolen Mobile Request”

From the homepage, click on the option labelled “Stolen Mobile Request.” This will redirect you to the Complaint Management System (CMS) where you can file your request.

📝 Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form

You’ll need to provide:

• Your 15-digit IMEI number
• CNIC number
• Contact details (email and phone)
• Date, time, and location of the loss or theft
  
• Mobile brand and model
  
• Any relevant remarks (optional)
  

Make sure the information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.

📄 Step 4: Attach FIR or Police Report (Optional but Recommended)

Although not mandatory, uploading a scanned FIR copy enhances the legitimacy of your claim and speeds up approval. You can get this report from your local police station or the Cybercrime wing.

📩 Alternative Method: Block via SMS

If you prefer a quicker route, you can block your phone by SMS:

• Send your IMEI number to 8484
  
• Example: 356789100123456 → send to 8484
  You’ll receive a confirmation message once the block request is registered.
  

📌 Note: You can block only phones registered under your CNIC.

Register an FIR with the Police or Cybercrime Wing

While blocking your mobile through PTA is vital, registering an FIR (First Information Report) adds an extra layer of protection, especially if you’re dealing with insurance claims or plan to recover your device. It also supports your PTA application by legitimising your report.

🛡️ Why Filing an FIR Is Useful

• Insurance Claims: Most insurance providers require an FIR to process claims for lost or stolen mobile phones.
  
• Legal Backup: An FIR is an official record that your phone was stolen or lost, which may help if your phone is misused.
  
• PTA Support: Though optional, attaching an FIR copy to your PTA request increases the credibility and processing speed.
  

🏢 Where to File the FIR

You have two main options:

• Local Police Station: Visit the nearest police station where the phone was lost.
  
• FIA Cybercrime Wing: If the theft involved misuse of your data or fraud, file a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing via https://complaint.fia.gov.pk/.
  

📄 What You’ll Need to File the FIR

Prepare the following documents:

• Original CNIC (and a photocopy)
• Mobile IMEI number
• Phone details (model, brand, colour)
• Approximate time, date, and location of theft/loss
• Optional: Proof of purchase/invoice
  

Explain the situation clearly, and make sure the information matches the details you provide to PTA.

🧾 Keep a Copy of the FIR

Always ask for a printed copy of the FIR or the complaint receipt. You may need to:

• Upload it to the DIRBS portal for block verification.
  
• Present it to your insurance provider.
  
• Use it for legal evidence if your mobile is misused.

How to Track or Check Your IMEI Block Status

You should verify whether the block has been successfully applied after you submit your request to block the stolen or lost mobile. PTA provides multiple ways to check your mobile device’s IMEI status.

🌐 1. Verify Status on the PTA DIRBS Portal

You can check your phone’s blocking status directly through the PTA DIRBS portal:

• Go to https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
• Enter your 15-digit IMEI number into the “Check IMEI” field
• Click “Check” to view the status of your mobile device
  

The system will display one of the following:

• Blocked: Your phone has been blacklisted and cannot connect to any mobile network in Pakistan.
  
• Compliant: Your phone is legally registered and fully functional on all networks.
  
• Non-compliant: Your phone isn’t registered properly—possibly smuggled—and may get blocked at any time.
  

📩 2. Check IMEI Status via SMS

This is a quick and offline method:

• Open your messaging app
  
• Type your 15-digit IMEI number
• Send it to 8484
  

You’ll receive a reply from PTA with one of the following statuses:

• Blocked: The IMEI has been blacklisted successfully.
  
• Compliant: Your phone is properly registered.
  
• Non-compliant: Your phone is not registered with PTA and may be subject to future blocking.
  

🔍 What Each Response Means

• Blocked: The device can no longer be used with any SIM in Pakistan.
  
• Compliant: The phone is legally allowed for use.
  
• Non-compliant: The phone may still work temporarily, but it needs to be registered.

Reversing the Block: If You Recover Your Phone

If you’re fortunate enough to recover your lost or stolen mobile phone, you don’t have to keep it permanently blocked. The PTA allows users to request an unblocking of their device through the DIRBS system, provided you can verify ownership and explain the recovery.

🔓 How to Request an Unblock via DIRBS

Follow these steps to initiate the unblocking process:

1. Visit the PTA DIRBS Portal
   
2. Go to the “Complaint Management System”
3. Select the option for “Reversal of IMEI Blocking”
4. Fill out the unblocking form with accurate information.
5. Attach a written Recovery Statement explaining how and when the phone was found.
   

🧾 Details You’ll Need to Provide

Make sure you have the following documents and information ready:

• Your CNIC number
• The 15-digit IMEI number of the recovered phone
  
• A signed recovery statement (PDF or scanned image)
  
• Any proof of ownership (purchase invoice, box label, etc.)
  
• Your contact details (email and phone number)
  

These details help PTA confirm you are the rightful owner before unblocking the device.

⏳ How Long Does It Take?

• Typical processing time is 3 to 5 working days
• The system will send you a confirmation via SMS or email once it updates the status
• You can check the updated status again via SMS (8484) or on the DIRBS portal
  

📂 Keep Record of All Correspondence

Always save email receipts, SMS confirmations, and submitted forms. These may be useful in case of future technical errors or delays. Also, if the device becomes lost again, having this documentation streamlines the blocking process.

FAQS