PTA begins second phase of SIM card blocking to curb illegal use

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the second phase of blocking mobile SIM cards to prevent their illegal use, Express News reported.

PTA officials stated that in this phase, SIM cards registered against Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) that expired before 2017 and have not been renewed are being blocked.

"In the first phase, we targeted fake SIM cards and those registered against cancelled CNICs. Since August 16, more than 69,000 illegal SIMs have been blocked," officials said. "In the third phase, SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals will be blocked."

Officials noted that fake SIM cards are being used in various illegal activities, including terrorism, financial fraud, and other criminal acts.

PTA is using data obtained from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and block illegal SIMs.

"Consumers are being sent awareness messages before their SIMs are blocked. Citizens are advised to renew their CNICs to avoid having their SIMs deactivated," officials warned.