PTA launches the second phase of SIM blockage

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the second phase of its campaign to block illegal SIMs.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that all SIMs linked to CNICs that expired before 2017 and have not been renewed are now blocked. Citizens need to renew or update their CNICs promptly to prevent their SIMs from being deactivated.

In its initial phase, the PTA targeted and blocked fake SIMs and those registered with canceled CNICs. Since August 16, over 69,000 illegal SIMs have been blocked based on data from NADRA.

The PTA further revealed that SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals will be deactivated in the upcoming third phase.

Consumers were notified through awareness messages before their mobile SIMs were suspended. The PTA emphasized that these fake SIMs had been exploited for illegal activities, including terrorism and financial fraud.