“The new system will facilitation to users who want to get mobile phone blocked in case it has been stolen, snatched or lost,” a statement issued by the country’s telecom authority said.

The LSDS is an automated system and integrated with the PTA’s Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System. A stolen mobile phone will be blocked within 24 hours of reporting after verification.

On the other hand, the same procedure must be followed if the phone has been recovered. Users should "mention their complaint reference number along with other mandatory details that was given to them earlier for blocking of mobile phone".

The user will receive an SMS on the registered number once the mobile phone is unblocked.

Stolen, snatched or lost phones may be blocked or unblocked by calling 0800-25625, emailing at imei@pta.gov.pk or through a complaint filed with the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Karachi.