The Additional Director General of FIA Cyber Crimes, Waqaruddin Syed, has revealed that illegal international SIMs, particularly from the UK, are being widely sold in the Pakistani market. Addressing a press conference, he stated that the FIA Cyber Crime Wing has launched a crackdown against the unauthorized trade of these SIMs, which are being used for various cyber crimes both nationally and internationally.
According to Waqaruddin Syed, the FIA’s cybercrime investigation teams have observed that UK-based SIM cards are particularly popular in Pakistan due to their ease of availability, pre-activation, and low cost. These SIMs, which can be purchased online via cash-on-delivery for prices ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000, are commonly ordered through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. He further disclosed that these SIMs are smuggled into Pakistan through passengers arriving at airports, bypassing any registration requirements.
The misuse of these SIMs poses serious security risks, as they are being used for organized crimes such as financial fraud, kidnapping for ransom, child pornography, and even terrorism. The FIA, in collaboration with national security agencies, has intensified operations against illegal UK SIM trading across multiple cities. This nationwide crackdown has led to the registration of 21 FIRs, the arrest of 44 suspects, and the seizure of 8,363 illegal UK SIM cards from cities including Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Abbottabad.
Waqaruddin Syed warned that the illegal use of international SIMs in Pakistan is a punishable offense under the country’s cybercrime laws. He emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in such illicit activities. He also urged social media companies to store data on international SIMs being used in Pakistan, stating that if these SIMs are linked to crimes like terrorism, espionage, or child exploitation, their users will face severe consequences, including imprisonment.
The FIA Cyber Crime Wing has reiterated its commitment to eliminating digital fraud and illegal communication networks that threaten national security. Waqaruddin Syed urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the unauthorized sale of international SIMs, assuring that the authorities will take prompt action to curb this growing menace.
