Advises mobile users to renew their national identity cards before their expiration date
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a public awareness campaign regarding mobile SIM cards registered on invalid, canceled or expired ID cards and asked users to update their documents timely.
According to the PTA, mobile phone numbers linked to inactive, canceled or expired National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) computerized national identity cards could be suspended or blocked under regulatory rules.
The authority advised mobile phone users to renew their national identity cards before their expiry date to avoid any interruption in mobile service.
The PTA also clarified that after renewal of the ID card, users should immediately update their information in the records of the concerned mobile phone company so that the registration details are correct.
According to the agency, only SIM cards registered on valid and verifiable identity documents would remain active, while users who fail to renew on time risk suspension of mobile service.
Learn more: SIM cards linked to expired or deceased identity holders must be blocked
Earlier this month, the Home Ministry had asked the PTA to act on NADRA’s recommendations in a bid to curb the misuse of mobile networks through fake or inactive identities.
A NADRA spokesperson said a total of 4,906,611 SIM cards would be blocked in stages, adding that the process targeted identity documents that had not been renewed or belonged to deceased persons.
The spokesperson said the action aims to “enhance national security and strengthen the digital ecosystem by making it more secure and reliable.”
