The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing launched coordinated nationwide raids to curb the unauthorized sale of active international SIM cards.
The operation targeted key locations, including Abbottabad, Skardu, Peshawar, Lahore, and Sialkot, where individuals and businesses were allegedly involved in the illicit sale of SIM cards. Authorities apprehended multiple suspects and confiscated a large number of illegally activated SIMs.
Crackdown to Strengthen National Security
The sale of unauthorized SIM cards has been a growing concern due to its role in enabling untraceable communications for fraudulent and criminal activities.
The PTA and FIA have been actively monitoring this illegal trade, which poses a significant risk to national security. According to officials, criminals often use these SIMs for financial fraud, cybercrime, extortion, and other illicit operations.
The law enforcement agencies have reinforced strict measures to prevent the misuse of telecom services. The government has warned that individuals found engaging in unauthorized SIM sales will face severe legal consequences, including arrests and fines.
Public Urged to Report Illegal SIM Sales
Authorities are calling on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious SIM card sales to help combat telecom-related crimes.
The PTA has emphasized that only authorized retailers should be used for purchasing SIM cards to ensure proper registration and verification processes.
The government continues to collaborate with telecom operators and security agencies to implement stricter regulations and safeguard digital communications. As part of this effort, telecom operators are being urged to enhance monitoring mechanisms and report any irregularities in SIM activations.
The latest raids reflect the commitment of PTA and FIA to maintaining a secure digital environment by eliminating the illegal SIM trade.
Authorities have reiterated their stance on zero tolerance toward telecom fraud, assuring that more enforcement actions will follow to dismantle networks involved in such unlawful activities.