Qaseem Shah, News Desk:
Quetta: The Balochistan Police have rolled out a dedicated online portal enabling citizens to verify any second-hand mobile phone’s IMEI—International Mobile Equipment Identity—before purchase and to report stolen devices. By entering a phone’s unique 15-digit IMEI on the portal, buyers can instantly confirm whether the handset is clear for use or has been flagged as stolen.
Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya explained, “Over 100 used phones in the market were identified as stolen but never reported. Now, anyone buying a pre-owned device must check its IMEI here to avoid unknowingly purchasing illicit property.” He added that victims of mobile theft can also register their stolen IMEIs, helping police block the devices and trace the criminals.
Beyond tackling mobile theft, the portal has already logged 689 complaints against police personnel, underscoring its wider role in enhancing accountability. “No one—whether a senior official or an ordinary citizen—stands above the law,” Goraya emphasized, promising impartial handling of every grievance.
Accessible via the official Balochistan Police website, the portal offers real-time updates on complaint status and verification results. “This tool empowers consumers, deters theft, and bolsters public trust in law enforcement,” Goraya said, noting that preventing the circulation of stolen phones is key to curbing their misuse in criminal activities.