Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a public advisory directing families to transfer or block SIM cards registered in the names of deceased individuals.
The authority emphasized that SIMs belonging to deceased persons should only be transferred to eligible legal heirs through the prescribed Change of Ownership (COO) procedure. PTA stated that timely action is necessary to prevent misuse and ensure lawful continuation of mobile services.
The latest advisory is part of PTA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen telecom security and improve identity verification across Pakistan’s mobile network sector.
SIMs Can Only Be Transferred to Legal Heirs
According to PTA, only blood relatives or spouses of the deceased individual are eligible to request the transfer of ownership of a SIM card.
The telecom regulator advised family members to either block unused SIMs or complete the ownership transfer process as soon as possible. The procedure applies to all mobile operators operating in Pakistan.
PTA warned that leaving SIMs active under the name of deceased persons may create risks of unauthorized usage or fraudulent activities.
Documents Required for SIM Transfer Process
To complete the Change of Ownership process, PTA has instructed legal heirs to visit the nearest customer service center or authorized franchise of the relevant mobile operator with the required documents.
The documents listed by PTA include:
Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
Death Certificate of the deceased individual
Original SIM card
Proof of SIM usage
These documents are required to verify the relationship between the applicant and the deceased subscriber before ownership can be transferred.
PTA Highlights Importance of Timely Action
PTA stated that prompt transfer or blocking of SIMs helps ensure lawful continuation of telecom services while preventing potential misuse against deceased individuals.
The regulator also encouraged citizens to remain cautious about SIM ownership records and regularly verify mobile numbers registered under their names.
The initiative reflects PTA’s broader focus on improving telecom compliance, consumer protection, and digital security measures across the country.
PTA Expands Public Awareness Campaign
The authority has been actively using social media and public awareness campaigns to educate users about telecom regulations and security-related procedures.
PTA further advised users to contact its Digital Assistant or visit official customer support centers for additional information regarding SIM ownership transfer and verification procedures.
With increasing concerns surrounding digital fraud and identity misuse, PTA aims to ensure that all mobile connections remain properly registered and legally maintained under verified users.