PTA Launches Second Phase of Crackdown on Illegal SIM Cards

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the second phase of its crackdown on illegal SIM cards, focusing on those issued using ID cards that expired before 2017. This effort is part of an ongoing campaign to reduce the misuse of fraudulent SIM cards in illegal activities.

Since the beginning of this phase on August 16, the PTA has suspended over 69,000 SIMs that were registered with outdated identification documents. This action follows the first phase, which targeted SIM cards linked to cancelled or invalid ID cards.

The current phase specifically targets SIM cards issued under ID cards that expired before 2017. The PTA is urging people to renew their ID cards promptly to prevent their SIMs from being deactivated. Notifications are being sent out to inform users about the potential deactivation of their mobile numbers.

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The PTA’s crackdown is intended to prevent the use of fake SIM cards in criminal activities, such as terrorism and financial fraud. The authority is collaborating with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and deactivate SIMs involved in fraudulent activities.

In the upcoming third phase, the PTA plans to deactivate SIM cards registered under the names of deceased individuals. A PTA spokesperson highlighted that fake SIM cards have been connected to various illegal activities, including terrorism and financial crimes.

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On August 17, the PTA began blocking SIM cards that were issued using cancelled or fake identity cards, following the August 16 deadline for this regulatory change. Users whose SIMs have been blocked can restore them by obtaining a valid ID card from NADRA and completing biometric verification with the legitimate ID.

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