The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has deactivated more than 1.838 million unauthorized SIM cards between January and July 2026 as part of a nationwide campaign to strengthen telecom security and combat fraudulent mobile connections.

Working alongside the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the regulator has stepped up enforcement against illegally issued SIMs, invalid registrations, and the unauthorized sale of foreign SIM cards.

Official data shows that 691,102 illegally registered SIMs were blocked during the seven-month period. PTA also disconnected 903,230 SIMs issued against the CNICs of deceased individuals after repeated public notices warning that such connections would be disabled.

In a separate action, the authority blocked 244,357 SIMs that had been activated using cancelled or expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), saying the move was aimed at preventing abuse of the mobile registration system.

The crackdown also targeted foreign SIM networks. During 25 joint operations conducted in Islamabad and other parts of the country, PTA and NCCIA recovered 8,051 foreign SIM cards and arrested 37 individuals suspected of their illegal sale and distribution.

PTA said enforcement activities will continue across Pakistan and warned that anyone found involved in the unlawful issuance, sale, or use of SIM cards will face strict legal action.