Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a series of strict action against smuggled mobile phones.
As per media reports, PTA has greatly tightened the mobile registration system while placing double checks on online mobile registration.
Under its new verification process, at least 3,570,000 mobile phones have been registered while over 9,500,000 mobile phones have been blocked.
Earlier, Pakistan had launched the online registration system with the help of customs and PTA.
The online registration system had become operational on February 15.
Herein, passengers are required to enter details of their travel documents, passport and travel history to register their mobile phones online.
Similarly, the free phone allowed to passengers coming to Pakistan can also be registered online.
PTA had, however, admitted to the personal data of passengers being leaked.
The authority revealed before the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology that travel agents and air force personnel were leaking the data of passengers even before they reached mobile registration counters.
Leaked passport numbers and ID card numbers of passengers were allegedly used to register mobile phones in their name.
When wanting to register their mobile phone at the airport, passengers were said to be aware of the fact that there already existed mobile phones in their names.
Passengers were then bound to pay customs duty on mobile phones.
PTA has been receiving hundreds of complaints in the regard.
The committee was also informed that the case has been referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
