The Pakistan Telecommunication AuthorityPakistan Telecommunication Authority has directed all Cellular Mobile Operators to suspend SIM card sales across the country from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM, in a move aimed at curbing illegal SIM issuance and strengthening regulatory oversight.

According to the directive, all authorized sales channels including franchises and retail outlets will strictly operate within permitted hours. The regulator said the measure is intended to improve monitoring of SIM issuance and reduce misuse of mobile connections obtained through unauthorized means.

PTA warned that any violation of the order will lead to strict legal and regulatory action under relevant telecom laws. It stressed that full compliance is mandatory for all operators and sales points.

The authority also advised consumers to purchase SIMs only from authorized outlets during allowed hours and to ensure biometric verification is completed before activation of any new SIM.

It further encouraged the public to report violations through its Complaint Management System (CMS), PTA mobile application, WhatsApp Digital Assistant at 0315-0055055, or the toll-free helpline 0800-55055.