Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has finally devised a plan to block mobile SIMs to prevent their illegal use.
PTA will block mobile SIMs in three phases.
In the first phase, SIMs registered on fake and cancelled identity cards will be blocked while in the second phase SIMs registered on expired identity cards will be closed and in the third phase SIMs registered in the names of deceased persons will be blocked, the PTA said.
A series of awareness messages have been started by the PTA.
Also read: PTA to block VPN services in Pakistan: But why?
Further, PTA will also advertise in newspapers to make consumers aware.
The messages asked users to get National Identity Cards issued by NADRA to ensure the functionality of SIMs.
The process of blocking Sims in phases will start from August 16 and in this regard PTA has also obtained customer data from NADRA.
Also read: How to check sims on CNIC
Reactivation of blocked SIMs will be done through biometric authentication at the centers of respective mobile operators.
Illegal use of mobile SIMs is not acceptable under any circumstances, PTA said.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is the telecommunication regulator of Pakistan, responsible for the establishment, operation and maintenance of telecommunication systems and the provision of telecommunication services in Pakistan.
PTA is currently headed by Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman.
