Islamabad, February 17, 2024 – In a significant move to combat the rising issue of illegal SIM activations and unauthorized Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), conducted a series of raids across the country on Saturday.
The PTA Zonal Offices, in coordination with the FIA, targeted franchises suspected of engaging in the unlawful activation of SIMs and illegal ISPs. In Sukkar, 56 suspicious SIMs were confiscated during a raid, while in Kasur, 26 active SIMs were seized. The accused individuals involved in these illegal activities have been apprehended by the FIA, and First Investigation Reports (FIRs) have been registered against them, as per a news release.
Furthermore, the crackdown extended to Chichawatni, where two separate raids were conducted to dismantle illegal ISP setups. The operations led to the recovery of a substantial amount of equipment at different locations in Chichawatni. Among the seized items were 12 Optical Line Terminals (OLT), 04 dish antennas, 01 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), 2 batteries, 350 meters of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), 01 Optical Network Terminal, 01 OLT charger, and a manual billing book. Additionally, a tower erected without proper authorization, carrying numerous dish antennas, was dismantled by the FIA team. Ongoing investigations are currently in progress to unveil the full extent of the illicit operations.
The PTA’s decisive actions against illegal SIM activations and unauthorized ISPs are part of the authority’s sustained efforts to eradicate such practices and maintain the integrity of the country’s telecommunication network. The unauthorized activation of SIMs poses a significant security threat, enabling criminal activities such as terrorism, fraud, and other illicit operations.
The recovered equipment and dismantled infrastructure highlight the sophistication of these illegal setups. The Optical Line Terminals and other related items suggest a well-organized operation aiming to provide unauthorized internet services, potentially compromising the security and privacy of users.
The PTA has consistently emphasized the importance of a secure and regulated telecommunication environment to safeguard the interests of the public. These recent raids underscore the commitment of the PTA and its collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies to ensure that stringent measures are taken against those attempting to undermine the integrity of the nation’s communication infrastructure.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious SIM activations or illegal ISPs to the relevant authorities. The PTA continues to work towards maintaining a secure and reliable telecommunication network, vital for the progress and well-being of the nation.
