Islamabad, Sep 2: The second stage of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) nationwide campaign to outlaw illicit SIM cards for mobile phones has begun. Targeting SIMs registered on expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) issued before to 2017, the operation started on September 2, 2024.
This action is a part of the PTA’s larger campaign with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to stop SIM card abuse and strengthen security.
The ongoing operation is a result of the PTA’s partnership with NADRA, which gave vital information on CNICs that have expired or are invalid. In response, in order to prevent service outages, the PTA has asked customers to renew their expired CNICs with NADRA and finish the required biometric verification procedures. The PTA seeks to reduce the amount of illicit usage of mobile networks by making sure that every SIM is connected to current, legitimate identity credentials.
Beginning on August 16, 2024, the PTA effectively blocked over 69,000 SIM cards that were connected to canceled or fraudulent identification cards as part of its campaign against unlawful SIMs.
The PTA states that the blocking operation’s third phase is slated to start on October 16, 2024. The PTA will concentrate on SIM cards that are registered in the names of those who have passed away during this phase. Customers are urged to update their information with NADRA and their individual mobile phone providers in order to avoid having their SIMs disabled.
The PTA made it clear that it will not accept, under any circumstances, the misuse of SIM cards from mobile phones, which are frequently connected to a number of illicit acts, including financial fraud, internet crimes, and terrorism.
These illicit SIMs enable criminal operations that subvert the rule of law, posing a serious threat to public safety and national security. The PTA seeks to prevent unauthorized use of mobile networks, safeguard citizens, and preserve the integrity of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure by making sure that all SIMs are registered with current, legitimate identity documents.
