3 min read
Pakistan’s telecom users continue to face recurring complaints about being charged for services they never knowingly subscribed to, a problem affecting customers across all major mobile networks. From unexpected deductions to hidden daily subscriptions, the issue has once again sparked frustration among users, who accuse telecom companies of failing to address unauthorized activations and vague billing practices.
A recent example involves a Jazz customer who raised concerns on Reddit after allegedly being charged for a service he never subscribed to, reigniting the long-standing debate over unauthorized mobile subscriptions in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The user shared a screenshot showing an SMS from Jazz confirming the activation of a daily “Elaqai Islamic” service costing Rs. 1.30. According to him, he had no prior knowledge of the service’s existence.
“I didn’t even know this service existed, let alone subscribed to it,” the user wrote. “Who knows how many people across the country are being charged without consent? Every major organization in this country seems to get away with this kind of forceful tactic.”
These mobile network providers need to be taken to court.
byu/snoop_sandman inpakistan
Reddit Users React and Share Similar Experiences
The post quickly gained traction, with several users sharing similar complaints. One commenter claimed that such practices are not limited to Jazz, calling it a form of “organized consumer fraud.” The commenter added that other telecom operators in Pakistan, including Telenor, have engaged in comparable unauthorized deductions.
This growing wave of user feedback reflects a broader frustration over value-added services (VAS) that appear to activate without clear user consent. Many users argue that these recurring microcharges often go unnoticed, especially when balances are low or deductions are small.
What the Law Says, and How Consumers Can Respond
The commenter also cited PTA’s Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations (2009) and PECA (2016), which prohibit operators from subscribing users to paid services without explicit consent. Affected customers, they said, should immediately contact their telecom helpline, demand proof of subscription, and file a formal complaint with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) if not satisfied with the response.
To prevent future deductions, the commenter advised users to maintain only a minimal balance, around Rs. 2 to Rs. 4, so unauthorized charges cannot be applied. “Subscribing or charging customers without consent violates PTA’s licensing terms,” they added, encouraging users to request irrefutable proof, such as an OTP or confirmation message, for any paid activation.
Unauthorized value-added services have long been a source of frustration for Pakistani mobile subscribers. Despite multiple directives from PTA over the years, reports of silent deductions and unsolicited subscriptions continue to surface on online forums and social media platforms.
While Jazz has not yet stated this particular complaint, incidents like this highlight the growing distrust among telecom customers and the increasing role of digital communities in holding companies accountable.
