An audit report has revealed that seven franchises in Balochistan illegally activated nearly 2,000 SIM cards using the names of Punjab citizens, exposing serious irregularities in SIM sales and registration.
According to media reports, the audit found that despite proven fraud, the franchises involved were issued only show cause notices. No cases were registered against them and no fines were imposed.
The report also disclosed that two telecom companies were fined more than Rs 1.88 billion and issued show cause notices over related violations. However, these decisions have not been fully implemented.
The audit described the absence of effective action against organized fake SIM fraud as a matter of serious concern, noting that it raises questions about national security and the regulatory system.
Audit officials have directed the relevant institutions to take practical steps for the immediate recovery of outstanding dues and to pursue effective legal action against those responsible, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
