Telecom regulator also blocks dormant SIMs and strengthens mobile security through nationwide verification and quality monitoring
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has deactivated 3.2 million SIM cards registered in the names of deceased individuals as part of a nationwide campaign to strengthen mobile security, prevent fraud and curb the misuse of telecommunications services.
According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26, the regulator also blocked or recycled 891,000 dormant SIM cards and disabled mobile connections associated with expired, cancelled or impounded Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs).
The initiative forms part of the PTA’s broader strategy to enhance SIM registration security, improve consumer protection and ensure greater regulatory compliance across Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
Nationwide quality assessment
Alongside its SIM verification drive, the PTA conducted extensive Quality of Service (QoS) surveys covering cellular operators in 73 cities, as well as major highways and railway routes across the country.
The regulator evaluated network performance through drive tests, operators’ key performance indicators (KPIs) and crowdsourced user feedback to monitor the quality and reliability of mobile services.
For fixed broadband services, the PTA carried out quality assessments in 65 cities, covering 122 broadband operators under the Fixed Broadband Quality of Service Regulations, 2022.
According to the Economic Survey, the findings prompted corrective measures and regulatory enforcement against operators that failed to meet the prescribed service standards.
Crackdown on illegal SIMs and cloned devices
The PTA also intensified market surveillance by conducting targeted inspections and enforcement raids against the illegal sale of SIM cards and the cloning of mobile devices.
In addition, the regulator strengthened oversight through its Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, which is designed to prevent unauthorised mobile devices from operating on Pakistan’s telecom networks while enhancing consumer protection.
The latest measures reflect the government’s continued efforts to eliminate fraudulent SIM registrations, improve digital security, strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance the quality and reliability of telecommunications services throughout Pakistan.