KARACHI, April 1: The PTCL has asked its customers to use the code-barring facility to avoid misuse of their telephones.

A PTCL spokesman said that various TV channels and companies were asking people to dial their numbers starting with 0900 prefix to win quiz programmes, lotteries, etc.

He said different rates in addition to taxes are charged if a number starting with 0900 is dialled and the major part of the charges on such calls goes to the concerned companies.

After going through the complaints, it was revealed that customers’ telephones were used by their family members, servants, etc., for the purpose, he added.

The procedure to use the code facility is: *33* code* 4# or *33* code*04# to avoid NWD, ISD mobiles and 0900 calls. To uncode the telephone, dial #33*code#. The word “code” should be replaced with any four digits.—APP