The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented a significant measure to curb the issuance of illegal SIM cards by modifying the process of issuance and activation. Under the new regulations, the second SIM for an individual will now be available and activated within seven days, a change from the previous duration of eight hours.
The first new SIM will continue to be issued and activated within eight hours, and the issuance of a duplicate SIM card or number will also follow the same timeframe.
These updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) for SIMs are set to take effect from January 24, applying to all telecommunications operators, customer service centers, franchisees, and retailers. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will also incorporate these new SOPs into its system, as per the directive from the PTA.
The decision to revise the SIM issuance process stems from the need to restrict the issuance of multiple SIMs to a single user within a day. The PTA revealed that fraudulent practices, such as the use of fake thumb impressions, have been employed to acquire multiple SIMs in a single day.
Fraudsters have been known to exploit this by installing messaging applications like WhatsApp using SIMs issued in someone else’s name. The PTA anticipates that the new SOPs will contribute to a reduction in cases of forgery and fraud related to SIM card issuance.
