The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Takes Decisive Action to Halt Illicit SIM Issuance.
PTA Tightens SIM Issuance Rules January 2024
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revamped SIM card issuance and activation rules. The second new SIM for an individual will now take seven days, not the previous eight hours. These changes start on January 24 and apply to all operators. The first new SIM remains an eight-hour process, and duplicates follow the same timeline.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will integrate these new SOPs. The goal is to combat fraudulent acquisition of multiple SIMs in a day, often involving fake thumb impressions. PTA officials are concerned about fraudsters exploiting the system by installing WhatsApp using SIMs registered in someone else’s name.
The PTA believes these changes will reduce forgery and fraud, enhancing the integrity of the SIM issuance process.