PTA Plans AI-Powered DIRBS Overhaul for Mobile Registration and PTA Tax

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is planning a major technology overhaul of its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), seeking consultants to develop an AI-powered “Digital Intelligence System” for the platform.

The regulator has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for consultancy services for the AI-Powered DIRBS Digital Intelligence System under a national single-stage, one-envelope procurement process.

DIRBS plays a central role in Pakistan’s mobile device registration framework, including the registration of imported mobile phones and the compliance process linked to the payment of applicable government taxes and duties, commonly referred to as PTA tax.

Under the proposed project, the successful consultant will be required to deliver fully functional software capable of performing all DIRBS tasks involved in routine operations.

The PTA has incorporated the project’s scope of work, implementation timeline, Terms of Reference and financial requirements into the procurement process. Bidders have also been asked to provide details regarding key personnel, previous experience, ongoing contracts, and financial capacity.

The proposed initiative could mark a significant shift in how Pakistan manages mobile device identification and registration, with artificial intelligence being placed at the center of a new digital intelligence architecture.

However, the available sections of the RFP do not specify the particular AI models, algorithms, or automated functions that the successful consultant will be required to deploy. The document instead focuses on the broader consultancy, implementation, and software delivery requirements.

The RFP makes clear that the project will not be considered complete merely on the basis of consultancy or development work. The successful consultant will be required to complete the project and deliver functional software capable of handling all DIRBS tasks in routine operations.

The procurement framework also gives the PTA significant oversight over the consultant’s expert team. Key experts will be required to meet specified qualifications and experience requirements, while the authority may seek the replacement of personnel deemed incompetent or incapable of performing their assigned duties.

Personnel involved in serious misconduct, criminal activity, fraud or corruption may also be required to be replaced under the contract conditions.

The RFP further stipulates that payments must remain within the foreign and local currency ceilings specified in the eventual contract. Any expenditure beyond those limits would require a formal amendment to the agreement.

The planned AI-powered system comes as Pakistan continues to expand its digital regulatory infrastructure for the telecom sector. DIRBS remains an important part of the country’s mobile device compliance regime, particularly for imported phones that require registration before they can be used on local mobile networks.

For consumers, the DIRBS process is closely associated with PTA tax, as imported or non-compliant devices may require applicable taxes and duties to be paid as part of the registration process.

The available sections of the RFP do not disclose the estimated cost of the proposed project. Bidders, however, are required to submit detailed financial proposals along with their technical submissions.

The initiative signals the PTA’s intention to move DIRBS towards a more advanced, intelligence-driven platform. While the RFP does not specifically state that artificial intelligence will calculate PTA tax, the upgraded system is expected to support the routine digital processes surrounding mobile device identification and registration.

The successful consultant will ultimately be responsible for delivering an operational system rather than merely providing recommendations, potentially laying the groundwork for a more automated and sophisticated DIRBS ecosystem.

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