ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a successful raid at three different locations in Peshawar against illegal activation of SIMs on Afghan passports, tampering in Afghan passports an issuance of SIMs on fake visas.
During the raid, a total of 10 suspects were arrested whereas copies of 450 Afghan Passports, 3 Laptops, 4 PCs and 15 mobile phones were recovered.
The raid shows PTA’s commitment and persistent efforts in curbing the menace of illegal issuance of SIMs.
Officials said that illegal SIM issuance poses serious threats to national security and can facilitate cybercrime, financial fraud, and other unlawful activities. The authorities emphasized that strict action would continue against individuals and networks involved in unauthorized SIM activation and document tampering.
PTA urged mobile users to ensure that SIMs are registered only against their own valid identity documents and to immediately report any suspicious activity. FIA and PTA also reiterated their commitment to strengthening monitoring mechanisms and enhancing coordination with telecom operators to prevent misuse of mobile connections.
The authorities warned that those found involved in illegal issuance or use of SIMs could face strict legal action under relevant cybercrime and telecommunication laws. Further investigations are underway to identify additional facilitators and beneficiaries linked to the network operating in the region.
