The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started a phased-wise blocking of illegal SIM cards to combat their unauthorized use.

In the first phase, SIMs registered with fake identities and those linked to canceled identity cards are being blocked. This action is based on data obtained from NADRA, according to PTA sources.

In the second phase, SIMs registered to expired identity cards will be blocked, while the third phase will target SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals.

Before blocking the SIMs, users have been sent awareness messages, urging them to update their SIM-related data, PTA sources told Raised by Numbers.

PTA sources added that the illegal use of mobile SIMs is unacceptable under any circumstances. They noted that fake SIMs are often used in various unlawful activities.