PTA’s 2025 Nationwide Crackdown Blocks 3.2 Million Illegal SIMs

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked more than 3.2 million SIM cards registered against deceased individuals, intensifying its nationwide campaign to secure the telecom sector and curb illegal SIM usage. The action, taken between July 2024 and June 2025, reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen digital security and prevent telecom related crimes.

According to an official document, PTA carried out these actions in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating misuse of mobile connections often linked with fraud, cybercrime, and identity theft.
During the period, 44 raids in 24 cities were conducted against local SIM fraud networks. Authorities confiscated over 5,300 illegal SIMs, 99 biometric verification devices, and more than 250,000 digital fingerprints, leading to 71 arrests. In parallel, 32 raids targeted illegal international SIM sales, resulting in 46 arrests and the seizure of over 8,000 SIMs. PTA also blocked 83 websites involved in unauthorized SIM sales, disrupting online fraud platforms.

The document reveals extensive data cleansing across telecom databases. PTA blocked or recycled over 891,000 dormant SIMs, disabled 69,000 SIMs issued on cancelled or impounded CNICs, and removed 783,000 SIMs linked to expired CNICs. Additionally, over 179,000 SIMs used by repatriated foreign nationals, including Afghan PoR and ACC cardholders, were blocked to ensure compliance with national regulations.

To prevent future illegal issuance, PTA introduced multiple technical safeguards. These include three-factor authentication for SIM sellers, franchise level SIM stock binding, geo fencing of biometric devices within a 100 meter radius, and live finger detection technology.

An official noted that these measures are designed to “close regulatory loopholes and strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s SIM ecosystem.”

Telecom experts say the move will significantly reduce identity based crimes and improve trust in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. The crackdown also aligns with the government’s wider digital governance reforms aimed at transparency, security, and consumer protection.