PTA Begins SIM Suspension for Expired CNIC Holders
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the second phase of its nationwide effort to block unauthorized SIM cards. This phase, which began on September 2, 2024, is specifically aimed at deactivating SIMs that are registered with Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) that expired before 2017. The PTA has warned that users who have not renewed their CNICs are at risk of losing access to their mobile services as their SIMs will be automatically suspended. This initiative is part of the PTA’s broader campaign to enhance security and curb illegal activities associated with unverified SIM cards.
The PTA’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat the illegal use of SIM cards, which has been linked to criminal activities such as terrorism, financial fraud, and identity theft. The authority has been collaborating closely with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and block these SIMs.
As per the statement, “Since August 16, more than 69,000 illegal SIMs have been blocked.”
The authority has urged all affected users to renew their CNICs promptly to avoid service disruptions. Awareness messages have been sent to at-risk people, advising them to update their identification details with NADRA. The PTA has emphasized that any SIM cards linked to expired CNICs that are not renewed will be automatically suspended as part of this enforcement effort.
PTA has announced that the third phase of the campaign will target SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals. This phase is expected to tighten controls over mobile network usage further and enhance national security by preventing unauthorized access to mobile communication services.
PTA has also been actively involved in monitoring and blocking illegal online content. Over the past three and a half years, the authority has blocked more than 363,000 URLs that were found to contain illegal content, including material related to terrorism, hate speech, and financial scams.
” 
" 
” 
” 
” 
” 
