The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to begin the third phase of its operation to prevent the illegal use of SIM cards. Starting October 15, SIM cards issued in the names of deceased individuals will be deactivated.

The PTA had given a deadline until October 15 for the transfer of SIM cards registered under deceased individuals. Even on the last day of the deadline, family members can transfer the SIM cards to their names, according to the PTA.

To transfer a SIM card, it is mandatory to provide the death certificate of the deceased, proof of relationship with the deceased, the original SIM card, and evidence of the SIM card being in use, as stated by the PTA.

The PTA has already deactivated SIM cards issued on expired identity cards prior to 2017. Additionally, approximately 70,000 SIM cards issued on canceled or fake identity cards have been blocked so far, according to PTA officials.