The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has tightened SIM verification rules, ordering telecom operators to block fraudulently issued SIMs immediately. The regulator has also set a 60-day deadline for transferring SIM ownership linked to deceased individuals.
Under the new rules, operators must also block SIMs linked to cancelled, confiscated, or impounded Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) within five days. The changes aim to strengthen subscriber verification through an automated information-sharing system with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The amendments were notified through SRO 1519(I)/2026 in the Gazette of Pakistan under the Subscriber Antecedents Verification (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
According to the notification, NADRA will inform telecom operators when a CNIC or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) holder dies. Operators must then send SMS alerts to all SIMs registered in that person’s name, asking recipients to transfer ownership within 60 days.
If ownership is not transferred within the deadline, the affected SIMs will be blocked. This measure aims to prevent SIMs registered under deceased individuals from remaining active without proper ownership verification.
The new regulations also cover identity documents that have been cancelled, confiscated or impounded. Once NADRA shares the relevant information, operators must notify subscribers by SMS and explain the reason for the proposed blocking.
Operators must block the affected SIMs within five days unless NADRA updates the CNIC or NICOP status during that period. However, blocked SIMs can be restored once the authority confirms that the identity document has been reinstated. The PTA has also introduced stricter action against fraudulent SIM issuance. Telecom operators must immediately block any SIM reported to have been issued through fraudulent means.
Additionally, operators must immediately block the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices used to issue or activate such SIMs. The requirement also covers devices last reported in connection with those connections.
However, the amended rules allow operators to restore blocked SIMs or biometric verification system (BVS) devices after verification. They must also record reasonable justification for restoration, particularly when a genuine subscriber is affected.
To enforce the changes, cellular mobile operators (CMOs) and NADRA must establish an automated system for sharing identity-document information. The system will cover the expiry, renewal, death, cancellation, confiscation, and impounding of CNICs and NICOPs linked to activated SIMs. NADRA will remain responsible for ensuring the authenticity of the identity-document status information shared with telecom operators.
The PTA has also updated existing verification and activation requirements. Operators must establish automated arrangements with NADRA to verify subscriber data and share the relevant SIM number or Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) after completing the required verification process.
The amendments strengthen Pakistan’s rules for SIM ownership and subscriber verification. They also introduce clear deadlines for blocking connections linked to deceased individuals or invalid identity documents, while requiring immediate action against SIMs reported as fraudulently issued.
