The government has blocked approximately 80,000 SIM cards linked to the dissemination of fake news, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division Sajid Mehdi informed the National Assembly on Wednesday. The move comes as part of a broader effort to tackle the growing problem of misinformation on social media.
Responding to a calling attention notice in the National Assembly, Mehdi highlighted the government’s proactive measures to address the issue, including the formation of a joint task force. The task force has already submitted its report to the Prime Minister, underscoring the seriousness of the problem.
Mehdi emphasized the need for reforms in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, to better address the spread of fake news. Proposed amendments aim to expedite the trial process for cases involving the dissemination of false information, ensuring quicker resolution and stricter enforcement.
As part of its strategy, the government has also begun registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to enhance monitoring and control of online activities. Additionally, an awareness campaign has been launched to educate the public about the risks and consequences of spreading fake news. The campaign uses various media platforms to inform citizens about the societal impact of misinformation.
“The government’s proactive steps, including blocking SIM cards and revising laws, are aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of fake news,” Mehdi said during the session. He expressed confidence that these measures would lead to significant improvements in curbing the spread of misinformation.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also intensified its efforts to block illegal SIM cards. Officials revealed that the second phase of the initiative, launched a few months ago, targets SIM cards registered against Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) that expired before 2017 and have not been renewed.
“In the first phase, we targeted fake SIM cards and those registered against cancelled CNICs. Since August 16, more than 69,000 illegal SIMs have been blocked,” PTA officials stated. The third phase will focus on blocking SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals.
Officials noted that fake SIM cards are often used in illegal activities, including terrorism, financial fraud, and other crimes. The PTA is using data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and block these SIMs.
“Consumers are being sent awareness messages before their SIMs are blocked. Citizens are advised to renew their CNICs to avoid deactivation,” officials warned.
