The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned consumers against buying and selling unauthorised foreign SIM cards in Pakistan, citing the risk of fraud, identity misuse and involvement in illegal activities.
In a public awareness advisory, the telecom regulator urged citizens to avoid purchasing or trading foreign SIM cards and to use properly registered mobile connections issued through authorised channels.
The warning comes amid concerns that unverified international SIM connections can be exploited by individuals involved in financial fraud, harassment and other unlawful activities. Consumers who obtain SIM cards from unofficial sellers may also face security and legal complications if those connections are misused.
Unauthorised SIM Cards Can Create Legal Risks
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has previously highlighted the misuse of international SIM cards by criminal networks.
In a statement published by Radio Pakistan on February 14, 2025, the FIA said it had launched action against the illegal use of international SIMs. The agency’s then Additional Director General of the Cybercrime Wing, Waqar-ud-Din Syed, said such connections had been used to conceal identities in cases involving harassment, terrorism and financial fraud.
The FIA reported that 44 suspects had been arrested and more than 8,000 international SIM cards seized during the operation. These figures relate to the crackdown announced at that time and should not be interpreted as current enforcement totals.
The legal framework also addresses the unauthorised issuance of SIM cards. Section 17 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, provides penalties for selling or supplying SIM cards without obtaining and verifying subscriber credentials in the manner prescribed by the PTA.
Under the provision, offenders can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs.500,000, or both. The law specifically addresses unauthorised issuance and provision of SIM cards; it should not be interpreted as making every legitimate international roaming connection illegal.
PTA Advises Consumers to Use Registered SIMs
The regulator has urged mobile phone users to obtain SIM cards from authorised cellular operator franchises and customer service centres. Consumers should ensure that their connections are registered under their own identity rather than another person’s name.
The FIA’s public guidance also advises people to check the number of SIM cards registered against their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). Users can send their CNIC number without dashes to 668 or use the SIM Information System to review registered connections.
Anyone who discovers an unfamiliar SIM registered against their identity should contact the relevant mobile operator and request its investigation and blocking.
Legitimate International Roaming Is a Separate Matter
The PTA’s warning should not be confused with legitimate international roaming. Overseas visitors and travellers may use international SIM cards while roaming on Pakistani networks, subject to applicable telecom requirements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that mobile devices using international SIM cards in roaming mode are exempt from the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). This guidance concerns device registration and should be distinguished from the unauthorised sale or distribution of foreign SIM cards within Pakistan.
Consumers should therefore avoid purchasing pre-activated or unverified foreign SIMs from unofficial sellers and check the relevant requirements with their mobile operator before using an international connection.
The PTA’s advisory reinforces the importance of verified subscriber information and responsible use of mobile connections as authorities continue efforts to curb telecom-related fraud and the misuse of SIM cards.
