The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has once again cautioned citizens against the buying and selling of foreign SIMs in Pakistan. The authority has declared the practice illegal and punishable by law, urging the public to avoid engaging in such activities.
This warning comes amid rising reports of criminals misusing stolen personal data to issue SIMs under someone else’s name. Such illegally obtained SIMs can be used for fraud, financial scams, identity theft, and even serious crimes such as terrorism. The PTA has stressed that both buyers and sellers of foreign SIMs may face strict legal action.
Why Buying and Selling Foreign SIMs is Illegal?
Foreign SIMs are not registered with Pakistani telecom networks in compliance with local regulations. When such SIMs are used in Pakistan, they bypass the system designed to safeguard consumer data and monitor communication activities for security reasons.
The PTA clarified that any citizen found involved in buying or selling foreign SIMs is directly violating the law. Penalties for this practice may include:
- Heavy fines imposed by the authorities
- Prosecution under telecommunication and cybercrime laws
- Permanent blacklisting of the offender’s name for mobile and SIM issuance
The government has made it clear that the use of foreign or unverified SIMs poses a risk not only to the individual but also to national security.
The Risks of Using Foreign or Illegal SIMs
People sometimes buy foreign SIMs for cheaper call or data rates without realizing the risks involved. PTA highlighted some of the major dangers:
- Fraud and Scams – Criminals can use such SIMs to carry out financial fraud, mobile wallet scams, and phishing attempts.
- Identity Theft – Stolen or fake SIMs can be issued under an innocent person’s CNIC, causing serious trouble for them later.
- Terrorism and Crime – Untraceable SIMs can be used by criminal networks or extremist groups.
- Loss of Privacy – When buying unregistered SIMs, personal data often ends up in the hands of unauthorized sellers.
In short, using a foreign or unverified SIM in Pakistan is a direct risk to your personal safety and can land you in serious legal trouble.
PTA’s Measures to Safeguard Citizens
To curb this problem, the PTA is actively monitoring and blocking illegal SIMs. It has also launched campaigns to spread awareness about the risks and penalties of buying or selling foreign SIMs.
The authority advises all citizens to:
- Purchase SIMs only from authorized outlets of licensed cellular companies.
- Ensure biometric verification is completed at the time of purchase.
- Report suspicious numbers or SIM sellers to the PTA.
- Regularly check the number of SIMs issued under their CNIC.
By following these steps, citizens can protect themselves from fraud and prevent their data from being misused.
How to Check Registered SIMs in Pakistan?
The PTA has made it easy for everyone to track the SIMs issued under their CNIC. There are two simple methods:
- Online Method: Visit cnic.sims.pk and enter your CNIC number to see all SIMs registered under your ID.
- SMS Method: Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668. You will receive a reply with details of all active SIMs linked to your ID.
If you find any SIMs registered in your name that you are not using, you should immediately contact the concerned mobile company to block them.
What to Do If You Find an Unknown SIM on Your CNIC?
If your CNIC shows SIMs you never purchased, it means your personal data has been misused. PTA recommends these steps:
- Visit the nearest customer service center of the mobile operator.
- Request immediate blocking of the unauthorized SIM.
- Keep a record of your complaint number for future reference.
- Regularly recheck your CNIC after a few weeks to ensure no new SIMs are issued.
By staying alert, you can avoid becoming a victim of mobile fraud or scams.
Government’s Message to the Public
The PTA and government have jointly urged people to stop buying or selling foreign SIMs. Citizens who continue these practices may face:
- Legal prosecution
- Heavy financial penalties
- Loss of trust and credibility
- Possible arrest under anti-cybercrime laws
Authorities emphasized that ignoring these warnings could bring serious consequences, not only for the individual but also for society at large.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has once again cautioned citizens against the buying and selling of foreign SIMs in Pakistan. The authority has declared the practice illegal and punishable by law, urging the public to avoid engaging in such activities.
This warning comes amid rising reports of criminals misusing stolen personal data to issue SIMs under someone else’s name. Such illegally obtained SIMs can be used for fraud, financial scams, identity theft, and even serious crimes such as terrorism. The PTA has stressed that both buyers and sellers of foreign SIMs may face strict legal action.
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