The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revised its SIM disown policy, extending the disowning period from 60 days to 365 days.
A viral social media post had claimed that under a new PTA policy, active SIM cards could neither be disowned nor transferred to another person for one year after activation.
On May 25, a user on X claimed that according to PTA, an active SIM could only be disowned or transferred after 365 days, sparking confusion over the accuracy of the information.
Following the online discussion, concerns were raised regarding the authenticity of the claim. However, it was later confirmed that PTA has indeed revised its policy, extending the SIM disowning period from 60 days to 365 days.
Director General International Relations and Government Affairs Division at PTA, Ahmed Shimeem, confirmed that a newly activated SIM can now not be disowned before one year.
PTA also clarified in its official advisory posted on X and Facebook that the step has been taken to curb illegal SIM issuance and unauthorised registrations and to strengthen security measures.
The authority has advised citizens to exercise caution during biometric verification when obtaining SIMs, as a new SIM can now only be disowned after one year.
Users have also been urged to regularly check the number of SIMs registered against their CNIC. This information can be accessed through cnic.sims.pk or by sending their CNIC number to 668 via SMS.
Read more: PTA bans SIM card sales from midnight to 6 AM
Earlier, the PTA warned users to keep their National Database and Registration Authority CNICs valid and updated to avoid SIM blocking.
It said SIMs registered on expired, cancelled, or deceased CNICs are being blocked to improve digital security in the country.
The PTA urged people to renew their CNICs through NADRA to avoid service interruption.
It also advised users to keep their details updated with mobile companies and ensure timely CNIC verification to maintain smooth mobile services and secure communication.
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