The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated a phased campaign to shut down illegal SIM cards, starting with the blocking of fake and canceled ID card SIMs from Friday. The first phase targets SIMs identified as fake or linked to invalid ID cards, using data sourced from NADRA. The second phase will address SIMs registered under expired ID cards, while the third phase will focus on SIMs associated with deceased individuals. Users have been notified via awareness messages to update their SIM data before the closures. PTA officials stress that illegal SIM use, often linked to various criminal activities, will not be tolerated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan