The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced its decision to block all SIM cards issued in the names of deceased individuals, beginning October 15, 2024.
This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the security and integrity of the country’s telecommunications network.
In its announcement, PTA urged citizens who wish to retain the SIMs previously registered in the names of deceased persons to take immediate action.
They can transfer these SIMs to their own names by submitting the necessary documentation at the franchise or service center of the relevant SIM provider. This will help them avoid any disruption in service or other inconveniences.
This latest directive follows a comprehensive plan devised by PTA to block Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) in three distinct phases. According to sources within the authority, the PTA has already acquired relevant data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to facilitate this process.
The phased plan will kick off on August 16, 2024, with the first phase targeting SIMs registered with fake or canceled Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). Following this, in the second phase, the PTA will block SIMs registered with expired CNICs.
The third and final phase, which will culminate on October 15, will see the blocking of SIMs issued in the names of deceased individuals. This step is considered crucial to preventing the misuse of SIM cards and ensuring that only active, legally registered users have access to telecommunications services in Pakistan.
As part of the process, subscribers have already begun receiving notification messages from their telecom providers, informing them of the upcoming changes. The PTA advises all affected users to respond promptly to these notifications and complete the necessary procedures to avoid service interruptions.
This initiative by the PTA is a significant measure aimed at tightening the security protocols within the telecommunications sector and ensuring that SIM cards are used only by authorized individuals.
