The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced stricter regulations for the sale and issuance of SIM cards, making mobile operators directly responsible for preventing unauthorized or illegal SIM sales through their networks.

Under the new directives, telecom companies will be held accountable for SIMs issued by their franchises, retailers and other sales channels, and must ensure all connections are issued in accordance with PTA regulations.

The regulator has directed that new SIMs may only be issued through authorized customer service centers, franchises and approved retailers. Every sales representative must also be assigned a unique identification number to improve accountability.

PTA has made biometric verification through NADRA’s Biometric Verification System (BVS) mandatory for all new SIM activations using the customer’s original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

The requirement also applies to duplicate SIM issuance, change of ownership, SIM disowning and mobile number portability.

To curb identity fraud, telecom operators have been instructed to deploy biometric devices equipped with Live Finger Detection (LFD) technology, which can identify fake, cloned or artificial fingerprints during verification.

In addition, operators must strengthen oversight of their franchises and retailers through routine inspections and monthly compliance reviews, while maintaining complete records of SIM issuance, biometric verification and sales staff.

According to the PTA, the revised framework is intended to eliminate the illegal sale and misuse of SIM cards, enhance customer verification and ensure compliance with telecom licensing conditions and applicable laws.