The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore, has carried out successful raids against illegal SIM operations in Multan, Kot Momin (Sargodha), and Hasilpur.
During a major raid in Multan, authorities uncovered a grey SIM setup with thousands of active SIMs from multiple telecom operators, including Jazz and Zong. Although the primary suspect managed to escape, equipment was seized from the site.
Analysis of the recovered SIMs led investigators to a Zong franchise in Kot Momin, where the franchise owner and two accomplices were arrested.
The investigation further exposed a broader illegal network involving an individual in Hasilpur who was providing fake fingerprints and collecting activated SIMs.
Authorities later arrested the main suspect, who was previously running a Jazz franchise in Lahore and was currently operating three Ufone franchises in Vehari, Hasilpur, and Multan.
The joint crackdown resulted in the recovery of 15,996 SIMs, which included 12,636 Ufone, 1,370 Jazz, 1,100 Zong, and 890 Telenor SIMs. Additionally, 18 Zong Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, one 128-port gateway, six 64-port gateways, and four 32-port gateways were confiscated. The NCCIA has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against those involved.
This enforcement action highlights PTA’s strong commitment to curbing illegal SIM issuance and protecting Pakistan’s digital and communication infrastructure. The authority has reiterated that such operations will continue to eliminate fraudulent telecom practices.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal SIM activity by contacting PTA at 0800-55055.
With increasing cases of SIM misuse leading to serious security and financial threats, PTA’s latest action involving Jazz and Zong franchises sends a clear message: illegal telecom activities will not be tolerated.