Advises mobile device users to renew their national identity documents before their expiration date
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a public awareness campaign on mobile SIM cards registered on invalid, canceled or expired identity cards and directed users to update their documents in a timely manner.
According to the PTA, mobile numbers linked to inactive, canceled or expired national computerized identity cards of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) could be suspended or blocked as per regulatory norms.
The authority advised mobile users to renew their national identity cards before their expiration date so that there were no interruptions in mobile service.
The PTA also clarified that after renewing the identity card, users must immediately update their information in the records of the relevant mobile phone company so that the registration details are correct.
According to the agency, only those SIMs that were registered with valid and verifiable identity documents would remain active, while users who do not renew on time could face suspension of mobile service.
Read more: SIM cards linked to holders of expired or deceased identity documents will be blocked
Earlier this month, the Home Ministry had directed the PTA to act on NADRA recommendations in a move aimed at curbing misuse of mobile networks through fake or inactive identities.
A NADRA spokesperson said a total of 4,906,611 SIMs would be blocked in phases, adding that the process focused on IDs that had not been renewed or belonged to deceased people.
The spokesperson said this action was aimed at “improving national security and strengthening the digital ecosystem by making it more secure and reliable.”
