The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has banned the sale of SIM cards between 12 AM and 6 AM to prevent illegal issuance of cards and strengthen security.
The regulator has directed all Cellular Mobile Operators in an official press release to enforce this restriction at every authorised sales point nationwide immediately.
As per the details, all franchisees and retailers operating under licensed telecom networks are now legally bound to follow the prescribed timing rules without exception.
Violations of these directives will result in strict legal and regulatory action under the applicable telecom laws in Pakistan and existing compliance regulations.
Citizens have been advised by the regulator to purchase SIM cards only from authorised outlets and only during the permitted operational hours each day.
Biometric verification must be completed before any newly purchased SIM card is activated, the regulator has confirmed as a mandatory security step.
The public is encouraged to report any violations through the Complaint Management System of the PTA, available via app, WhatsApp at 0315-0055055, or online.
Complaints can also be submitted by calling the toll-free helpline 0800-55055, which remains available to all Pakistani citizens around the clock.
PTA stated this initiative aims to protect consumers, prevent SIM misuse, and maintain a secure and transparent telecom ecosystem across Pakistan.
