The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have raided an alleged illegal mobile recharging operation in Gilgit. The joint operation also resulted in the arrest of one suspect during the raid.
Authorities conducted the operation at a residential property behind NLI Market in Gilgit. The action followed information about the alleged misuse of SIM cards for remotely recharging mobile accounts.
According to the information received by authorities, the operation allegedly exploited the tax-exempt status of Gilgit-Baltistan.
75 Mobile Phones and 600 SIM Cards Seized
During the raid, officials seized a significant quantity of mobile and telecommunications equipment. The seized items included 75 mobile phones and 600 active SIM cards, which authorities collected as evidence.
The recovery has prompted further investigation into how the SIM cards were issued and allegedly used. Meanwhile, the NCCIA has registered a first information report (FIR) in connection with the case.
The agency has also launched a further investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal operation.
PTA Warns Against SIM Misuse
The PTA said the misuse of illegally issued SIM cards violates established telecommunications regulations.
According to the authority, such practices can also facilitate tax evasion and contribute to losses in government revenue.
The latest action reflects continued efforts to address the illegal issuance and misuse of SIM cards.
Furthermore, the PTA said it would continue coordinating with law-enforcement agencies against unlawful SIM-related activities.
The investigation will now determine the nature and extent of the alleged violations in the Gilgit operation.
The authorities’ action also highlights their focus on preventing telecommunications services from being misused for activities that could undermine regulatory controls and government revenue.
