Block a stolen mobile.

Skip to the relevant section if you've already done some of these:

1. Lock the phone remotely. Use Google's Find My Device (Android) or Apple's Find My iPhone (iOS). Sign in from any browser, locate the device, then enable lost mode with a passcode and a message. This is free and takes 60 seconds.
2. Block the IMEI with PTA. Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk and submit a stolen-device report. Once approved, the IMEI is added to a national blocklist and the phone becomes useless on every Pakistani network. See Section 4.
3. Block your SIM. Call your operator's helpline immediately — Jazz 111, Zong 310, Telenor 345, Ufone 333 (all free from any phone). They'll block the SIM so the thief can't use your number or your linked accounts. See Section 6.
4. File an FIR at your local police station. Bring your CNIC, the device's purchase receipt (or box with IMEI), and your phone number. The FIR copy is required for insurance claims and PTA processing. See Section 5.

1.1 Key contacts (save these now)

Every mobile phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) — a 15-digit number assigned by the manufacturer. It identifies the physical device, separate from your SIM. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs.

2.1 If you still have the phone (record it now)

Find your IMEI in any of these places:

• Dial code — Type *#06# on the phone's dialer. The IMEI(s) appear instantly. Screenshot or write them down.
• Phone settings — On Android: Settings → About phone → IMEI. On iOS: Settings → General → About → IMEI.
• Original box — Printed on a sticker on the side or back of the retail box.
• Purchase receipt — Many dealers print the IMEI on the invoice.
• SIM tray (some models) — Engraved on the SIM tray or back of the device.

2.2 If the phone is already gone

You can still find your IMEI without the device:

1. Check your purchase receipt — The invoice from the dealer usually has the IMEI. If you bought online, search your email for the order confirmation.
2. Check the box — Look at home for the original packaging; the IMEI is on the side sticker.
3. Google account history (Android) — Visit myaccount.google.com/device-activity and find your device. The IMEI is sometimes shown in details.
4. Apple ID (iOS) — Sign in at appleid.apple.com, scroll to Devices. The IMEI is listed for each registered device.
5. Your operator — Call your network helpline. With CNIC verification, they can usually look up the IMEI of the device that last used your SIM.

2.3 Verify your IMEI on PTA

Before doing anything else, confirm your IMEI is registered with PTA (a requirement for blocking). Send your IMEI as an SMS to 8484 from any mobile number. You'll get a reply showing whether the IMEI is compliant (legal/registered) or non-compliant.

You can also check via the web at dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs/check_imei.

DIRBS (Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System) is operated by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). It enforces three rules across every Pakistani cellular network:

• Registration — Every device that connects to a Pakistani SIM must have a registered IMEI. Unregistered devices are flagged after 60 days.
• Compliance — Devices imported through proper channels (and PTA-approved) are compliant by default. Devices brought from abroad need to be registered through the DIRBS portal within 60 days using your CNIC.
• Blocking — Stolen, lost, or duplicate IMEIs can be added to the blocklist via the DIRBS portal. Once blocked, the device cannot use any Pakistani SIM — voice, SMS, or data.

3.1 What blocking does

• Phone becomes unusable on every Pakistani network (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, SCO).
• Calls fail. SMS fail. Data won't connect.
• The phone still functions for Wi-Fi-only tasks, but cannot use cellular at all.
• This dramatically reduces resale value — making theft less profitable.

3.2 What blocking does NOT do

• Does not erase your data on the phone.
• Does not work outside Pakistan — the device may still function if smuggled abroad.
• Does not remove your Google account, iCloud, or app logins. Use Find My Device / Find My iPhone to lock those separately.
• Does not automatically recover the phone — recovery requires the police and the FIR.

4.1 Required documents

• IMEI number(s) — From Section 2 above
• Your CNIC — Scanned copy, both sides
• FIR copy — From your local police (Section 5)
• Purchase receipt or device box — Optional but speeds up verification
• Mobile number — A working number for OTP and updates

4.2 Step-by-step process

1. Visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk and click "Stolen Device Report" (or similar wording — verify on the portal as the navigation may change).
2. Register an account or sign in. Use your CNIC and a working mobile number. You'll receive an OTP for verification.
3. Fill in the stolen device form: IMEI(s), date and location of theft, brand and model, FIR number and police station.
4. Upload required documents: CNIC scan (both sides), FIR copy, purchase receipt if available.
5. Submit. You'll receive a tracking number — save it.
6. PTA reviews and verifies within 24-48 hours typically. Status updates come via SMS and email.
7. Once approved, the IMEI is added to the national blocklist. The phone stops working on all Pakistani networks within a few hours.

4.3 Help and queries

For DIRBS issues, contact PTA directly:

• Helpline: 0800-55055 (toll free, 24/7)
• Email: complaints@pta.gov.pk
• Walk-in: PTA headquarters in Islamabad, or any PTA zonal office

5.1 Where to file

• Local police station — File at the station closest to where the theft occurred. This is the legally correct jurisdiction.
• Online complaint portals — Some provinces accept online FIR submissions:
  • Punjab: eservices.punjabpolice.gov.pk
  • Sindh: citizenportal.gov.pk (Pakistan Citizen Portal)
  • Islamabad: islamabadpolice.gov.pk
  • KPK: kppolice.gov.pk

Online submissions still require you to visit the station within 72 hours to formalize the FIR and collect a signed copy.

5.2 What to bring

• Original CNIC
• IMEI number(s) of the stolen phone
• Phone number (your active SIM number)
• Approximate time and location of theft
• Description of any witnesses or CCTV evidence (if any)
• Purchase receipt or warranty card (helpful but not required)
• If injured during the theft: any medical certificate or hospital record

5.3 What the FIR must include

Make sure the FIR explicitly mentions:

• Your full name, CNIC number, and contact details
• Brand, model, and color of the phone
• The complete IMEI number(s) — this is critical for PTA processing
• Date, time, and exact location of theft
• How the theft occurred (snatched, pickpocketed, burglary, etc.)
• Approximate value of the phone
• Section of the Pakistan Penal Code under which the FIR is registered (typically Section 379 for theft, Section 392 for robbery)

5.4 After filing

• Get a signed copy of the FIR before leaving the station. This copy is required for PTA blocking and insurance.
• Note down the FIR number and the investigating officer's name. You'll be asked for these later.
• The FIR is free. Filing of FIR is not at the discretion of the police — it is your legal right under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• If the police refuse to register the FIR, you can approach the SHO (Station House Officer), DSP, or file a complaint with the Pakistan Citizens Portal.

6.1 Operator helplines

All numbers are free of charge. Calling from another network may incur standard call rates.

6.2 What you'll be asked

• Your CNIC number (the one the SIM is registered under)
• Your full name as on CNIC
• The mobile number to block
• Last recharge amount or recent call details (for identity verification)
• Mother's name (commonly used as a security question)

6.3 Getting a replacement SIM

After blocking, you can get a replacement SIM on the same number:

1. Visit any franchise or service center of your operator
2. Bring original CNIC and a copy of the FIR (replacement is free if FIR is provided)
3. Complete biometric verification (thumbprint)
4. The new SIM is usually activated within a few hours

Without an FIR, a replacement SIM costs around Rs. 200-300 plus tax, depending on the operator.

7.1 Mobile insurance claims

If you purchased insurance with the phone (commonly offered with Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and many others in Pakistan), file your claim with the insurance provider:

• Contact the insurance provider (named on your policy)
• Submit: FIR copy, IMEI(s), purchase receipt, photographs of damage if applicable, claim form
• Most policies have a deductible (10-25% of phone value)
• Processing takes 14-30 days typically
• Replacement is usually a new or refurbished device of the same model, or cash equivalent at depreciated value

7.2 Recovery odds

Recovery rates for stolen mobiles in Pakistan are low — around 5-10% historically — but they improve significantly when:

• The IMEI is registered with PTA and blocked quickly (thief tries to sell, dealer scans IMEI, sees it's stolen, refuses purchase)
• The thief is caught with the device while trying to sell it
• The FIR includes specific descriptions or any CCTV evidence
• The phone was sold through major mobile markets where dealers verify IMEIs (Hafeez Center Lahore, Saddar Karachi, etc.)

7.3 If the phone is recovered

1. The police will contact you (or you can check FIR status through citizens portal)
2. Provide CNIC and FIR copy to claim the device
3. Have PTA unblock the IMEI through the DIRBS portal — same portal, "Unblock Request"
4. Required: CNIC, original FIR, recovery report from police
5. Unblocking takes 24-72 hours
6. Factory reset the device before using — the thief may have installed monitoring software

Within the first hour, also do the following from another device (laptop, family member's phone, internet cafe):

1. Sign out everywhere on Google — Visit myaccount.google.com/device-activity, find the stolen device, click "Sign out".
2. Sign out everywhere on Apple ID — Visit appleid.apple.com, go to Devices, remove the stolen device.
3. WhatsApp — Email support@whatsapp.com with subject "Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account". Include your full phone number with country code (+92...). WhatsApp will deactivate within 24 hours. Once you get a new SIM, you can register the same number and restore from backup.
4. Banking apps — Call your bank's helpline to disable mobile banking on the stolen device. Most banks offer this immediately. Examples:
   • HBL: 111-111-425
   • UBL: 111-825-825
   • Meezan Bank: 111-331-331
   • Bank Alfalah: 111-225-111
   • Standard Chartered: 111-002-002
5. JazzCash / EasyPaisa / SadaPay / NayaPay — Call respective helpline to block the wallet. JazzCash 4444, EasyPaisa 3737, SadaPay through app or support@sadapay.pk, NayaPay +92 21 111-NAYA-PAY.
6. Change all critical passwords — Email, social media, financial accounts. Use a different device.
7. Notify your contacts — Post on Facebook / Instagram / WhatsApp Web (via desktop) that you've lost your phone, and that any messages from your number until further notice may be from a thief impersonating you. Common scam: thief sends "I'm in trouble, please send money" messages to your contacts.

9.1 One-time setup

1. Record your IMEI — Email it to yourself with subject "IMEI [phone model]". You'll thank yourself later.
2. Enable Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (iOS) — Free, takes 2 minutes. Settings → Google/Apple ID → Find My Device.
3. Enable biometric lock — Fingerprint or Face ID. A 4-digit PIN is fine but fingerprint is faster and more secure.
4. Disable lock screen notifications from sensitive apps (banking, WhatsApp) — Settings → Notifications. Stops a thief from seeing OTPs without unlocking.
5. Enable 2FA on critical accounts — Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) rather than SMS-based 2FA where possible. SMS 2FA is vulnerable if your SIM is stolen.
6. Enable SIM PIN — Settings → Security → SIM lock. Prevents a thief from using your SIM in another phone. You'll need to enter the PIN once at boot.
7. Backup regularly — Google Photos for Android, iCloud for iOS. If your phone is stolen, your data isn't.

9.2 Daily habits

• Keep your phone out of sight in busy areas — bazaars, public transport, marketplaces are hotspots
• Avoid using your phone while walking near roadside — snatching from motorbikes is common
• Don't leave your phone unattended on cafe / restaurant tables
• Carry it in a front pocket or zipped bag, never a back pocket
• Be cautious of strangers asking to borrow your phone for a "quick call" — common theft tactic

9.3 Buying a used phone? Verify IMEI first

If you're buying a second-hand phone, always verify the IMEI through PTA before paying:

1. Ask the seller to show the IMEI by dialing *#06#
2. Send the IMEI to 8484 via SMS
3. You'll get a reply within seconds: "Compliant" (legal, registered), "Non-compliant" (needs registration), or "Blocked" (stolen — do not buy)

Compare the IMEI from the dial code with the IMEI on the device's body/back, and the IMEI on the box if available. If they don't match, the phone has been tampered with — do not buy.

10.1 Can I track my phone after it's stolen?

Yes, if you'd already enabled Find My Device or Find My iPhone. Sign in from any browser and locate it. Accuracy depends on the phone being powered on, online, and not factory reset. Share the location with police via the FIR — don't go yourself.

10.2 What if my phone was off when stolen?

You can still file the FIR and block the IMEI. Find My Device/iPhone will show the last known location and ping you if the phone is turned on again. Some thieves keep stolen phones powered off until they're sold, so blocking is your best protection.

10.3 Can a thief unblock the IMEI?

No — DIRBS blocking can only be reversed by the original CNIC owner who reported it. However, some thieves use IMEI-changing tools to alter the device's identity (illegal but technically possible). This is why blocking quickly is important — before tampering happens.

10.4 What if I bought the phone from abroad?

You need to register it within 60 days of arrival via the DIRBS portal. If the 60 days have passed without registration, you'll be required to pay PTA tax. The same blocking rules apply to imported devices.

10.5 Can I unblock a phone I bought used that turned out to be stolen?

Only the original CNIC owner who reported it stolen can unblock it. If you bought a phone that's been reported stolen, you may have grounds to recover your money from the seller, but you cannot unblock the device yourself. This is why verifying IMEI before purchase (Section 9.3) is essential.

10.6 How long does PTA blocking take?

Usually 24-48 hours after submission. The phone stops working on cellular networks within a few hours of approval.

10.7 What's the difference between FIR and police complaint?

An FIR (First Information Report) is registered under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and starts a formal investigation. A police complaint is informal and may not trigger an investigation. You need an FIR for PTA blocking and insurance.

10.8 What if the police refuse to file my FIR?

Refusing to register an FIR is illegal under Pakistani law. Options: (1) Escalate to the SHO (Station House Officer) of the same station, (2) Approach the DSP or SP of your district, (3) File a complaint with the Pakistan Citizens Portal, (4) Contact the Provincial Police Officer (IGP) directly. Document each refusal in writing.

For specific issues:

• PTA / DIRBS issues: 0800-55055 or complaints@pta.gov.pk
• FIR or police issues: Pakistan Citizen Portal app · or your provincial police portal
• Cybercrime (online fraud after theft): FIA Cybercrime 1991 · complaint.fia.gov.pk
• Mobile operator / SIM issues: Network helpline (numbers in Section 6.1)
• Bank / payment app issues: Bank's 24/7 customer service line