PTA
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to regulate telecommunications and curb illegal activities by blocking over 5.8 million inactive SIM cards across the country.
This initiative is part of PTA’s broader strategy to enhance cybersecurity and reduce the misuse of SIM cards for illegal purposes.
In a detailed statement, the PTA disclosed that it had conducted 40 coordinated raids in various cities to target illegal SIM activities. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 7,500 SIM cards and 152 biometric verification system (BVS) devices.
Furthermore, 47 individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal issuance and distribution of SIM cards were apprehended during the crackdown.
The raids were carried out in multiple urban and semi-urban areas, including Kasur, Kharian, Sialkot, Lahore, Peshawar, Pano Aqil, Kashmore, Sukkur, Sheikhupura, Sharqpur Sharif, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sahiwal, and Hassan Abdal.
These targeted actions were coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with legal protocols and maximize their impact.
The PTA has emphasized that this action is part of a larger campaign for the fiscal year 2023-24 to eliminate illegal SIM cards, which are often used for fraudulent activities, cybercrimes, and other unlawful practices.
By deactivating millions of dormant SIM cards, the PTA aims to reduce risks associated with unregistered or misused telecommunications channels.
Additionally, the authority has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the biometric verification system remains a robust tool for authenticating SIM card issuance.
The confiscation of BVS devices highlights PTA’s determination to curb any misuse of technology designed to safeguard the identity verification process.
The PTA’s recent actions reflect a proactive approach toward building a safer and more transparent digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
Moving forward, the authority has called on citizens to report suspicious activities related to SIM card issuance and has pledged to continue its efforts to address such challenges effectively.
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