Massive SIM Cleanup Targets Deceased and Invalid Records
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked more than 3.2 million SIMs issued against deceased individuals as part of a countrywide campaign to improve SIM security. The effort is designed to close loopholes that criminals exploit by using phone numbers registered in the names of people who are no longer alive, making it harder for authorities to trace illegal activity.
According to an official document, the clean-up drive took place between July 2024 and June 2025 and was carried out in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. Along with blocking SIMs linked to deceased citizens, the PTA also undertook large-scale data cleansing to remove dormant and invalid records from telecom operators’ databases.
Nationwide Raids Against Local SIM Fraud
To directly tackle illegal SIM issuance, PTA and law enforcement conducted extensive enforcement actions across the country. A total of 44 raids were carried out in 24 cities targeting local SIM fraud networks. These operations focused on outlets and individuals suspected of issuing SIMs without proper verification or using stolen or fake credentials.
During the raids, authorities confiscated more than 5,300 SIM cards, 99 biometric verification devices and over 250,000 digital fingerprints that were being misused to activate SIMs illegally. The crackdown also led to 71 arrests, sending a strong message that the misuse of biometric systems and fraudulent SIM sales will not be tolerated.
Action Against Illegal International SIM Sales and Online Platforms
In parallel with operations against local fraud, PTA conducted 32 raids targeting illegal international SIM sales. These raids resulted in 46 arrests and the seizure of more than 8,000 SIMs used for overseas calling fraud, grey traffic and other telecom-related crimes.
Investigators also moved against online channels that promoted or sold illegal SIMs. The authority blocked 83 websites involved in unauthorised SIM sales, disrupting digital platforms that were helping fraudsters operate beyond the reach of traditional shop-based checks. Shutting down these sites is a key step in cutting off the online supply of unverified numbers.
Data Cleansing: Dormant, Expired and Foreign-Linked SIMs Blocked
Beyond raids and arrests, PTA launched a systematic review of SIM records to identify numbers that should no longer be active. Over 891,000 dormant SIMs were blocked or recycled after remaining unused for extended periods. Another 69,000 SIMs issued against cancelled or impounded CNICs were disabled to prevent further misuse.
The authority also removed 783,000 SIMs linked with expired CNICs from active operation, ensuring that only valid, up-to-date identity documents can be used for mobile connections. In addition, more than 179,000 SIMs used by repatriated foreign nationals, including Afghan Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, were blocked in line with official repatriation and security policies.
New Technical Safeguards for SIM Sellers and Verification
To stop illegal SIM issuance at the source, PTA has introduced several technical interventions for retailers, franchises and operators. These include three-factor authentication for SIM sellers, which adds extra layers of verification before a new SIM can be activated. Franchise-level SIM stock binding has also been implemented, making it harder for stock to be diverted to unregistered or black-market channels.
The biometric verification system (BVS) used for SIM registration has been strengthened through geo-fencing, restricting devices to operate within a 100-metre radius of approved locations. Live finger detection features have been enabled to identify fake or copied fingerprints, reducing the chances of identity theft and bulk activations based on stolen biometric data.
A Stronger SIM Ecosystem for Users and Regulators
PTA says these measures are aimed at closing regulatory loopholes, enhancing oversight and protecting the integrity of Pakistan’s national SIM ecosystem. By combining enforcement raids, data cleansing and new technical safeguards, the regulator is trying to ensure that every active SIM is linked to a genuine, traceable user.
For ordinary mobile phone users, a cleaner and more secure SIM environment reduces the risk of fraud, identity misuse and unwanted legal complications. For regulators and law enforcement, it improves the ability to track criminal networks and digital financial scams that rely on anonymous or fake phone identities. The blocking of over 3.2 million SIMs marks a significant step in tightening control over Pakistan’s telecom landscape.
