PTA Launches Massive Crackdown – Over 3 Million Illegal SIMs Blocked in 2025

In a decisive move to curb the illegal use of mobile phone SIMs and strengthen national security, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a large-scale, technology-driven crackdown across the country. Official documents reveal that over the past year, millions of SIMs linked to fraud, expired identities, and unauthorized users have been blocked or recycled.

According to PTA data, more than 3.2 million SIMs registered in the names of deceased individuals were blocked, closing a major loophole frequently exploited for criminal and fraudulent activities. In addition, 891,000 dormant SIMs were either blocked or recycled to clean up telecom databases.

PTA Launches Massive Crackdown – Over 3 Million Illegal SIMs Blocked in One Year

The authority also took strict action against SIMs issued on invalid identity documents. This included the blocking of 69,000 SIMs issued on cancelled or impounded CNICs and 783,000 SIMs registered on expired CNICs. Furthermore, 179,000 SIMs linked to repatriated foreign nationals were shut down, including SIMs registered against Afghan PoR and ACC card holders.

PTA stated that these actions resulted in the removal of millions of illegal and invalid SIM records from telecom systems. It also significantly reduces avenues for misuse and strengthens the integrity of the national SIM ecosystem.

Enforcement Against SIM Fraud Networks

Beyond blocking SIMs, PTA intensified on-ground enforcement. In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, 44 raids were conducted in 24 cities against illegal local SIM operations. As a result, the authorities also arrested 71 individuals involved in local SIM fraud.

Similarly, 32 raids targeting illegal international SIM sales resulted in 46 arrests, with over 13,000 local and international SIMs confiscated during these operations.

Advanced Technical Safeguards Introduced

To prevent future abuse, PTA has rolled out several advanced security measures:

• Three-Factor Authentication (3FA) for SIM sellers
• Franchise-level SIM stock binding to improve accountability
• Geo-fencing of biometric verification devices within a 100-meter radius
• Activation of Live Finger Detection (LFD) to counter biometric spoofing

These interventions are designed to ensure that SIM issuance remains secure, traceable, and compliant with regulatory standards.

See Also: PTA Finalizes Preparations for 5G Spectrum Auction, Awaits Government Policy Directive

Strengthening Digital Security

PTA emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader mandate to safeguard national security and protect consumers. By combining aggressive enforcement with modern technological controls, the authority aims to dismantle illegal SIM networks, disrupt online fraud channels, and reinforce trust in Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure.

Officials maintain that such operations will continue, signaling a zero-tolerance policy against SIM-related fraud and misuse nationwide.