Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged people using mobile phones to immediately connect their WhatsApp accounts with working and registered phone numbers. The authority urged people to use registered and active SIMs to avoid any such situation, as WhatsApp users who have linked their accounts to inactive, blocked or unregistered SIMs may soon lose access to their accounts.
Linking a valid and active SIM to a WhatsApp account is required to ensure the safety of users’ contacts, messages, digital identity and account security, according to the PTA.
The authority has advised users to check the number of their WhatsApp account with a valid SIM. Users can migrate their WhatsApp account to active and verified SIM only if SIM is already inactive.
The PTA also recommended that users visit their nearest mobile franchise or customer service centre if necessary, as biometric verification and authentication of the SIM can be done there.
The authority also reminded users not to log out of their WhatsApp account without their mobile number and emphasised that their mobile number is not just a communication device but also an integral component of their digital identity.
PTA issues alert over SIMs linked to expired CNICs
In addition, the PTA has also issued a warning that SIM cards issued under expired or inactive Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) could be suspended at any time.
The authority has advised mobile phone users to renew their CNICs before they expire so as to have uninterrupted mobile services. PTA urged the people to keep in mind the expiry dates of their CNIC and to renew the CNIC on time to avoid any inconvenience.
The PTA, in a statement, requested the users to frequently check their CNIC expiry date and renew them on time to keep mobile connectivity uninterrupted.
The PTA spokesperson said that in the event of any CNIC getting inactive, it should first be reactivated via the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). After reactivation of CNIC, users are advised to go to mobile operator’s customer service centre and undergo biometric verification and check on the SIM registration status.
The PTA also urged the users to check the registration information of their SIM as their CNIC might have expired or become inactive.
The authority emphasised that updating the identity documents on time and maintaining personal data in the system will help users to avoid possible suspension of their Sim cards and ensure uninterrupted mobile services.
PTA has urged people to keep their CNIC details up to date to prevent any disruption in cell services.
Besides, if the CNIC is in inactive status, citizens should also verify whether their SIM card has been registered or not. The PTA reminded of the importance of timely renewal of identity documents to ensure uninterrupted mobile services.
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