Rumours are circulating on social media that Pakistani mobile users will get a caller identification feature from November 1, allowing them to see the names of unknown callers.
However, these claims are misleading. The reported change applies to India, and there is no verified evidence that Pakistan has announced a similar nationwide system for the same date.
According to reports, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a circular on October 13, 2026, directing telecom operators to introduce a service called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) from November 1.
The system is expected to display a caller’s registered name alongside their phone number, helping users identify people whose numbers are not saved in their contacts. It could also help users recognise suspicious calls and reduce telephone fraud.
Major Indian telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea and BSNL, are reportedly involved in the initiative.
However, the directive applies to India and does not automatically apply to Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is responsible for regulating the country’s telecom sector.
How can Pakistanis identify unknown callers?
Pakistani mobile users can use caller identification apps available for Android and iPhone devices to identify some unknown callers. However, the accuracy of these apps may vary, and users should be careful when granting them access to their contacts and other personal information.