The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced stricter measures to curb illegal SIM issuance and unauthorized mobile registrations, extending the SIM disowning period from 60 days to 365 days.

Under the revised policy, any newly activated SIM can now only be disowned after one year from the date of activation. PTA said the move is part of its broader efforts to strengthen security safeguards in the telecom sector and enhance the protection of citizens’ personal information.

The authority has advised the public to be extremely cautious while providing biometric verification for SIM issuance, warning that misuse of biometric data can result in unauthorized SIM registrations and possible legal and security complications.

To improve transparency and help users keep track of their mobile connections, PTA has urged citizens to regularly check the number of SIMs registered against their Computerized National Identity Card.

Users can verify the SIMs registered in their name through the official SIM information system or by sending their CNIC number, without dashes, via SMS to 668.

The telecom regulator has also asked citizens to immediately report any suspicious or unauthorized SIM registration to their mobile operators.

PTA emphasized that only SIMs being used personally should be registered against an individual’s CNIC and called on the public to remain vigilant to help prevent misuse of mobile connections.