The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has fined China Mobile Pakistan Rs. 77.8 million for violating SIM geo-fencing rules. The regulator found CM Pak responsible for allowing SIM sales outside an approved location.
PTA issued an enforcement order after inspecting a CM Pak sales representative in Islamabad. The inspection took place on March 30, 2026, at I-10 Markaz.
PTA Finds Violation During Islamabad Inspection
The representative belonged to CM Pak’s Taxila franchise but sold SIMs outside its approved area. The activity also lacked the required Door-to-Door or Kiosk approval from PTA.
Under PTA rules, biometric verification devices must remain within 100 metres of approved sales locations. SIM sales outside that area require specific regulatory approval.
CM Pak challenged the proposed enforcement action and called the incident an isolated operational lapse. The company said a single Data Sales Officer had caused the violation.
PTA Rejects Company’s Defence
CM Pak said all affected SIMs received successful biometric verification before activation. The company also said the SIMs remained traceable through required records.
The company denied any fake or anonymous SIM issuance, biometric bypass or NADRA verification failure. It also said corrective measures followed the regulator’s notice.
CM Pak issued warnings, terminated the responsible officer and strengthened internal monitoring. However, PTA rejected the company’s defence and upheld the geo-fencing violation.
The regulator clarified that successful biometric verification does not remove a separate geo-fencing breach. The fine therefore reflects CM Pak’s failure to enforce the prescribed location requirements.
