The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed mandatory identity checks for foreign SIMs and travel eSIMs using Pakistani mobile networks. The draft rules also introduce a 90-day limit for international roaming to address financial fraud, cybercrime, and security risks.
According to official documents, the proposed International Roaming (Inbound) Regulations, 2026, would classify connections as permanent roaming if they remain active for 90 days or more within any 180-day period. Such connections could face suspension or blocking if operators cannot verify their legitimate temporary use.
The proposed framework would also bring travel SIM and eSIM aggregators under the PTA’s regulatory oversight. These services provide mobile connectivity to foreign travellers visiting Pakistan.
PTA Seeks Identity Checks for Foreign Roaming Connections
Currently, foreign roaming connections can access Pakistani cellular networks without local Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The PTA says this gap has raised concerns about untraceable foreign SIMs and eSIMs being used for illegal activities.
The authority has linked these connections to risks involving spoofed calls, SMS phishing, extortion, and e-commerce fraud. It has also flagged concerns about social media accounts allegedly used to spread fake news, hate speech, and other unlawful content.
Moreover, the PTA warned that foreign SIMs are increasingly being used as alternatives to locally issued connections. Their use in machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices could weaken regulatory oversight.
The authority also highlighted potential revenue losses for the national exchequer and Pakistani mobile operators. The proposed rules aim to close these gaps through stronger identity checks and closer monitoring.
Under the draft regulations, telecom operators would need to establish a KYC system for inbound international roamers. The process would collect and verify passport or travel-document details, nationality, roaming SIM or eSIM identifiers, and home operator information.
Operators would also collect arrival dates and expected lengths of stay where this information is available. Verification could take place through activation procedures, welcome SMS links, a PTA-approved digital portal, or coordination with immigration and border-control authorities.
For data-only eSIMs and other connections that cannot support SMS verification, alternative procedures would be introduced. These arrangements would address technical limitations while maintaining identity checks.
Travel eSIM Providers Would Need PTA Registration
The draft regulations also propose mandatory PTA registration for travel SIM and eSIM aggregators operating in Pakistan. Registered providers would have to disclose their network partners and distribution channels.
They would also need to appoint a local contact person and share information about SIM issuance, activation, KYC details, and usage with the authority. These requirements would give the PTA greater visibility into how travel connectivity services operate.
Meanwhile, telecom operators would be required to monitor permanent roaming and suspicious traffic patterns. They would also need to retain specified roaming records for at least 12 months and submit regular reports to the PTA.
If operators detect suspicious or abusive activity, they could request subscriber information from foreign home operators. The draft sets a response deadline of 72 hours for such requests. However, cases involving an immediate security threat or fraud risk would carry a shorter deadline of 24 hours. This provision would help operators respond more quickly to potentially harmful activity.
The proposed framework also includes a centralised database of blocked inbound roaming connections. It would prevent suspended users from accessing Pakistani networks through another mobile operator.
Operators would be required to suspend or block roaming services when credible information establishes illegal or abusive activity. This measure would help prevent users from bypassing restrictions by switching networks.
The draft further proposes limits on M2M and IoT SIMs used for regular consumer voice calls, SMS, and general-purpose data services. However, the PTA could approve genuine industrial and machine-connectivity applications on a case-by-case basis.
The authority says the proposed regulations aim to improve security, protect consumers, and address permanent roaming. They would also bring Pakistan’s international roaming framework closer to global telecommunications standards and regulatory practices.
