Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public advisory warning to mobile phone users about the unauthorised activation of Value Added Services, often known as VAS.
According to the advisory posted on X, on March 3, 2026, the authority has received complaints from consumers who reported unexpected deductions from their mobile balances.
These deductions affected both prepaid and postpaid users.
The regulator urged people to remain cautious and regularly check their mobile balance and active subscriptions.
What does the advisory say?
The advisory explains that Value Added Services are subscription-based features offered by telecom operators.
These services can include caller tunes, also known as ringback tones, daily SMS or internet bundles, missed call alerts, mobile games, horoscope updates, quiz services, and infotainment alerts.
According to the regulator, none of these services can be activated without clear consent from the user.
The notice also states that activation normally requires confirmation through a one-time password or dialling a specific USSD code.
If a user has not shared an OTP or dialled an activation code, the service should not be active.
In such cases, the regulator says the subscription may be considered unauthorised.
What should users do?
The authority advised consumers who notice unexplained balance deductions to contact their telecom operator immediately and file a complaint.
Users should also request a complaint reference number.
Telecom operators must then be given the required time under regulatory rules to investigate and resolve the issue.
If the complaint is not resolved, consumers can escalate the matter to the regulator through its Complaint Management System available on the official website and through the CMS mobile application.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said it remains committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair and transparent practices in the telecom sector.
The regulator also encouraged users to remain aware of active subscriptions on their mobile numbers to avoid unexpected charges.
Also read: Israeli media claims ‘Mojtaba Khamenei’ appointed as new supreme leader of Iran
