Overseas Pakistanis Allowed to Retain Pakistani SIMs Abroad
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced new measures to prevent the blocking of mobile SIM cards used by overseas Pakistanis. The announcement was made on Saturday and aims to provide relief to expatriates who remain outside the country for extended periods.
According to a statement issued by the PTA, overseas Pakistanis will now be able to retain their Pakistani mobile phone SIMs while living or working abroad. This facility ensures that SIM cards will not be blocked due to prolonged inactivity caused by overseas stays.
The authority stated that expatriates can avail the service by contacting their respective mobile network operators. Each telecom company will guide users on the required process and eligibility criteria.
The move addresses a long-standing concern among overseas Pakistanis. Many expatriates rely on Pakistani SIMs for banking alerts, official communication and staying connected with family members.
PTA Aims to Ensure Uninterrupted Communication Services
The PTA said the new facility will help overseas Pakistanis maintain uninterrupted access to essential communication services. These services include mobile calls, SMS notifications and digital verification messages linked to financial and government platforms.
Officials explained that SIM blocking often caused inconvenience for expatriates. Many users faced difficulties restoring services after returning to Pakistan or while managing affairs remotely.
With the new measure, the PTA aims to reduce these disruptions. The authority emphasized that digital connectivity plays a vital role in supporting overseas Pakistanis and their engagement with the country.
The PTA added that the initiative reflects its broader commitment to empowering overseas Pakistanis. It also supports the government’s vision of strengthening digital access at a global level.
By ensuring SIM continuity, the authority hopes to improve trust and convenience for millions of Pakistanis living abroad.
PTA Reiterates SIM Registration Rules and User Responsibility
While announcing the new facility, the PTA also reminded users about SIM registration regulations. Last month, the authority reiterated that all mobile SIM cards must be registered in the name of the actual user.
The PTA warned that using SIMs registered under someone else’s name violates telecom rules. Such violations may result in penalties or legal action.
Officials clarified that the registered subscriber remains fully responsible for any misuse of the SIM. This includes unlawful activities carried out using the registered number.
“Any SIM registered in the name of another individual and used by someone else is considered a violation of rules,” the PTA stated. It stressed that accountability rests entirely with the registered user.
The authority advised telecom users to ensure responsible SIM usage at all times. It also urged overseas Pakistanis to verify that their SIMs are correctly registered before applying for the new facility.
The PTA said the new measure does not relax existing regulations. Instead, it aims to balance regulatory compliance with the practical needs of overseas Pakistanis.
Telecom operators are expected to implement the facility in coordination with PTA guidelines. Further instructions may be shared directly with customers through official channels.
The announcement has been welcomed by expatriates, who see it as a positive step toward digital inclusion. Many believe it will ease communication challenges and improve access to essential services while abroad.
