The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially confirmed that made-in-India iPhones and related devices are banned from being sold or used in the Pakistani market.

This decision comes in light of cybersecurity concerns raised by the Cabinet Division, which the PTA has since dismissed, saying the sale and use of made-in-India iPhones in the Pakistani market is not possible.

According to a PTA spokesperson, the import of Indian products is strictly prohibited under the existing import restrictions under the Import Policy Order 2022, and Indian-manufactured iPhones and devices have been blacklisted in Pakistan. The PTA also clarified that it does not register GSMA-issued type allocation codes issued for India, effectively blocking the activation of Indian-made devices in the country.

Govt advisory on cybersecurity risks

The Cabinet Division had previously issued a cybersecurity risk advisory to federal ministries, divisions, and provincial chief secretaries, highlighting potential threats posed by Indian-manufactured mobile phones and electronic devices. These devices have been declared serious risks for Pakistani consumers.

According to government sources, the advisory expressed concerns over Indian interference in Pakistan’s sensitive information infrastructure, citing the possibility of data breaches, malware, spyware, and risk of viruses in the hardware or software through tampering during manufacturing.

The advisory warned that sensitive data could be compromised through fake websites mimicking Apple portals, phishing emails, and malicious software embedded in hardware. The risk is further amplified by the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India, raising fears of espionage through compromised devices.

Security recommendations for Apple users

To mitigate potential risks, the advisory recommended the following security measures for Apple product users in Pakistan:

• Purchase Apple products only from certified resellers within Pakistan.
• Verify the seal and packaging of devices before purchase.
• Regularly update iOS through official Apple channels to ensure the latest security patches.
• Use end-to-end encrypted communication services.
• Set strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Install reliable antivirus applications to detect potential threats.

Authorities have emphasized that while Indian-manufactured devices are banned, users should remain vigilant against cyber threats from all sources. The PTA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s digital security and protecting the privacy of its citizens.