PTA and Sindh Police Issue High Alert: Guard Your Data or Lose Your SIM Services

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD – In a major push for national digital security, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Sindh Police have issued a combined warning to citizens. The authorities are cracking down on identity misuse while implementing a phased policy to block millions of SIM cards linked to invalid records.

The Fingerprint Scam: Sindh Police Warning

Sindh Police has officially urged the public to stop sharing sensitive personal information, including fingerprints and SIM cards, with unauthorized individuals. Criminal networks are increasingly using deceptive tactics—often under the guise of welfare programs like BISP—to steal biometric data.

These stolen fingerprints are then used to register multiple illegal SIM cards, which are frequently utilized in:

• Financial Fraud and Blackmailing

• Kidnapping for Ransom

• Terrorist Activities

“Always stay cautious and stay safe,” the police advisory emphasized, noting that the original owner of the biometric data could face serious legal complications if their identity is used in a crime.

PTA Cracks Down on Expired CNICs

Simultaneously, the PTA has launched a massive operation to deactivate SIM cards registered against expired, cancelled, or deceased individuals’ CNICs. According to recent data, over 8 million active SIMs are currently linked to identity cards that require renewal.

The Phased Blocking Plan:

1. Phase 1: SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in 2017 or earlier are being blocked immediately.

2. Phase 2: Deactivation of SIMs linked to CNICs cancelled after 2017.

3. Phase 3: Targeting mobile connections still registered in the names of deceased persons.

How to Avoid Service Disruption

To ensure your mobile service remains uninterrupted, the PTA recommends the following steps:

• Renew Your CNIC: Visit the nearest NADRA center or use the Pak-ID mobile app if your card has expired.

• Update Identity Records: Once your CNIC is renewed, ensure your mobile operator has the updated information.

• Deceased Records: If you are using a SIM registered to a deceased family member, transfer it to a valid CNIC immediately to avoid sudden blocking.

With millions of identity documents currently expired across Pakistan, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to secure the country’s telecom ecosystem.