The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken strict action to improve digital security. In collaboration with Meta, PTA blocked 176,000 WhatsApp accounts. Users originally registered these accounts on recycled mobile numbers. The regulator took this step to stop cyber fraud through cancelled and inactive SIMs.
Combating Cyber Fraud with Meta
Recently, PTA received multiple complaints regarding cyber fraud. Scammers were exploiting recycled mobile numbers to commit these crimes through WhatsApp. Consequently, PTA approached Meta for a coordinated solution. Meta blocked these 176,000 accounts at the authority’s direct request.
Furthermore, PTA handed over around 10 million recycled mobile numbers to Meta. Meta will use this massive dataset to verify and block any active WhatsApp accounts associated with them. The two organizations have built strong coordination. Last year, Meta successfully resolved 82% of the complaints forwarded by the regulator.
The Growing Risk of Recycled Mobile Numbers
Currently, telecom operators in Pakistan hold approximately 16 million recycled mobile numbers. These numbers pose a massive digital security risk. Often, WhatsApp accounts registered on these numbers remain active even after telecom companies deactivate or cancel the original SIMs.
Therefore, new subscribers who purchase these recycled numbers can easily access the old WhatsApp accounts. This loophole creates easy opportunities for malicious activities and cybercrime. The latest initiative aims to protect mobile subscribers from this exact vulnerability.
WhatsApp Accounts Blocking Mechanism by PTA & Meta
To fix this issue permanently, PTA and Meta have agreed on a continuous mechanism. The regulator will now share 5,000 recycled mobile numbers with the platform every single month. Meta will then identify and deactivate the associated WhatsApp accounts in phases. Ultimately, this coordinated effort will shut down the misuse of recycled SIMs and enhance overall digital safety across the country.
Here is a breakdown of key figures:
| Metric | Figure |
| WhatsApp Accounts Blocked | 176,000 |
| Numbers Shared with Meta | 10 Million |
| Total Recycled Numbers Held by Telecoms | 16 Million |
| Monthly Numbers for Phased Deactivation | 5,000 |
| PTA Complaints Resolved by Meta (Previous Year) | 82% |
