PTA Makes Telecom Equipment Compliance Mandatory

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has made compliance with specified technical standards compulsory for telecommunications equipment manufactured, imported or deployed within the country.

According to the authority, covered equipment must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the PTA before it can be imported, installed or put into operational use.

The requirement has been introduced under the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, which were approved by the federal government and notified in the Gazette of Pakistan through S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026.

The regulations apply to PTA licensees, manufacturers and importers of telecommunications equipment under Section 28 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996.

Equipment falling within the regulatory framework will have to meet prescribed technical standards covering electromagnetic compatibility, radio frequency requirements, health and safety and other relevant specifications.

The PTA said the regulations were developed after consultations with telecom licensees, manufacturers, importers, vendors and other stakeholders representing the telecommunications industry.

According to the regulator, the new framework is designed to improve equipment compatibility and interoperability while raising service quality and supporting technological advancement across the telecommunications sector.

The PTA further stated that enforcing common technical standards could promote local manufacturing, strengthen Pakistan’s telecommunications industry and contribute to broader economic development.