The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has executed a series of raids across five cities. The PTA’s zonal offices in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar led the operations against franchisees of major telecom providers, including Telenor, Jazz, Ufone, and CMPak.
These franchisees, located in Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Kot Momin, Kohat, and Hangu, were found to be involved in the illegal distribution of SIM cards, often linked to criminal activities such as fraud and identity theft.
During the coordinated raids, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seized a significant amount of equipment and documents. The haul included four laptops, one PC, 12 biometric verification system (BVS) devices, active SIM cards, mobile phones, a hard disk, original Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) along with their photocopies, and digital copies of Afghan passports and Proof of Registration (POR) cards. This extensive array of seized items highlights the organized nature of the illegal SIM issuance operations.
Fifteen individuals employed by these franchisees were arrested on the spot. The FIA has registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against the suspects and is currently conducting further investigations into the matter. The arrests and confiscations underscore the authorities’ commitment to dismantling networks that facilitate illegal activities through unauthorized SIM distribution.
The PTA initiated these raids following complaints it had filed with the FIA. The complaints were based on intelligence gathered about the illicit issuance of SIMs by certain sales channels. The successful execution of these operations is a testament to the PTA’s relentless efforts to combat illegal SIM issuance and its associated criminal implications.
This crackdown is part of a broader strategy by the PTA to enhance the security and integrity of the telecommunications sector in Pakistan. By targeting unauthorized SIM issuance, the PTA aims to reduce the risks of fraud and identity theft, thereby protecting consumers and ensuring a more secure communication environment.
The PTA’s actions send a strong message to all telecom franchisees about the zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities. The ongoing investigations by the FIA are expected to uncover more details about the extent of the network involved in these operations. As the probe continues, the PTA remains vigilant and committed to upholding the law and safeguarding the interests of the public.