Technology & Gadgets | June 2026 | 4 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- PTA says SIMs of deceased persons should be transferred or blocked.
- Only eligible legal heirs can apply for ownership transfer.
- Families must visit the relevant operator’s service centre or franchise.
- Key papers include FRC, death certificate, original SIM and usage proof.
- Timely action can reduce misuse, fraud and identity-related risks.
PTA’s latest advisory gives families a clear instruction: do not leave SIM cards active under the names of deceased relatives. The regulator wants citizens to either transfer such numbers to eligible legal heirs or block them through official mobile operator channels.
| 2 Options Transfer or block the SIM |
4 Core Documents FRC, death certificate, SIM, usage proof |
1 Eligible Applicant Legal heir must apply |
What PTA Wants Families to Do
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has advised citizens to update mobile connections that are still registered in the names of deceased relatives. Families have two clear options: transfer the SIM to an eligible legal heir through the Change of Ownership process, or block the number through the relevant mobile operator if it is no longer needed.
The advisory matters because a SIM remains an identity record even after the subscriber has died. If it is not updated, the number may stay active without proper legal ownership.
For ordinary users, the message is simple. Do not keep using a deceased person’s SIM casually. Either regularise it under a lawful heir or ask the operator to block it.
Who Can Apply for SIM Transfer
PTA’s guidance says the transfer facility is meant for eligible legal heirs. This generally includes the spouse of the deceased subscriber or close blood relatives who can prove their relationship through official documents. The applicant must visit the nearest customer service centre or authorised franchise of the mobile operator that issued the SIM.
The process is not a normal sale or casual handover. It is a legal ownership update, so the operator must verify the death, the applicant’s relationship, and the actual use or possession of the SIM.
Requirements can vary slightly by operator. Some may ask for CNIC copies, usage checks, last recharge details, or extra confirmation if the original SIM is not available.
| Reader Note: A deceased person’s SIM should not be treated as a normal family handover. PTA wants the number transferred only through a verified ownership process. |
Documents Families Should Keep Ready
The main documents highlighted for the process include the Family Registration Certificate, the death certificate of the deceased subscriber, the original SIM card, and proof of SIM usage. These documents allow the operator to match the subscriber record with the applicant and confirm that the request is genuine.
The FRC establishes the family link. The death certificate confirms the original owner has passed away. The original SIM and usage proof help confirm possession and genuine use.
If the family does not want the number, blocking may be safer. This is useful when the number is no longer tied to banking, business, family communication, or other services.
SIM Transfer and Blocking at a Glance
| Action | Best Used When | Who Is Involved | Main Step |
| Transfer | When the family wants to keep using the number | Eligible spouse or close blood relative | Complete COO process at operator centre |
| Block | When the number is no longer needed | Family member or authorised claimant | Ask operator to block the SIM |
| Verify | When ownership or use needs confirmation | Applicant and operator staff | Check documents, SIM possession and usage proof |
| Seek guidance | When documents or eligibility are unclear | Family member | Use operator support or PTA guidance channels |
| Important: Families should use official operator centres, authorised franchises, PTA platforms or the PTA Digital Assistant for guidance. Informal handovers can create problems later. |
Why This Matters for Digital Safety
SIM registration is closely linked with identity verification in Pakistan. A mobile number can be used for banking alerts, messaging apps, social media, business calls, and verification codes.
Unclaimed numbers can also create confusion for families. They may receive calls, bills, alerts, or verification messages connected with a person who has passed away.
PTA’s reminder is therefore not just paperwork. It is a digital safety step that can protect identity, reduce legal risk, and improve telecom records.
| Warning: Leaving an active SIM under a deceased person’s name can increase the risk of identity misuse, fraud, unauthorised communication and disputed ownership. |
How Citizens Can Complete the Process
Citizens should start by identifying the operator of the SIM and visiting its nearest customer service centre or authorised franchise. The applicant should carry original documents and copies where possible. If the purpose is transfer, the legal heir should ask for the Change of Ownership process for a deceased subscriber. If the SIM is not needed, the family should request blocking.
Before visiting, families should call the operator’s helpline or check official guidance. This can save time where the original SIM or extra usage proof is required.
PTA has encouraged citizens to use official platforms, operator support channels, and the PTA Digital Assistant. Families should avoid informal SIM handovers because they can create ownership disputes later.
| Disclaimer: This article is based on PTA’s public advisory and operator-side guidance available at the time of writing. Families should confirm final requirements with the relevant mobile operator before visiting a service centre. |
