Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially declared that the use of SIM cards registered under another person’s identity is illegal, signaling a strict enforcement of telecom regulations across the country. In a detailed statement issued today, PTA emphasized that all mobile connections must be registered specifically in the name of their actual users, making it mandatory for consumers to ensure that their active SIMs comply with this requirement. The authority highlighted that any failure to adhere to this regulation now constitutes a clear violation of telecom laws, which could attract legal and administrative consequences. PTA urged mobile users to carefully review all their active connections and take immediate steps to regularize any SIM cards that are improperly registered or being used under a false identity, warning that continued non-compliance could result in severe repercussions.
According to PTA, the responsibility for all activities conducted through a SIM card rests entirely on the registered user. This includes calls, text messages, internet usage, and any other activity performed using that mobile number. The move is designed to prevent individuals from avoiding accountability by using SIMs registered in someone else’s name, thereby closing loopholes often exploited in telecom misuse and cybercrime cases. PTA underlined that if a mobile number is linked to any illegal, fraudulent, or unlawful activity, the person listed in the registration records will face the full brunt of the law. This measure reinforces the critical importance of accurate user identification within Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure and ensures that users cannot claim ignorance when a SIM card linked to them is misused.
This regulatory initiative is part of a wider effort by PTA to strengthen national security, curb the proliferation of illegal SIMs, and prevent cybercrime, financial fraud, and identity-related scams. Officials explained that the proper registration of SIMs is a foundational step toward enhancing accountability in the telecom ecosystem. By enforcing this regulation, PTA intends to not only safeguard users from potential misuse of unregistered or fraudulently registered SIMs but also improve overall oversight and monitoring of telecom services. The authority stressed that compliance with these rules is mandatory, and violations could result in a range of punitive actions, including financial penalties, suspension of mobile services, or initiation of further legal proceedings.
PTA further recommended that consumers immediately verify the registration status of their SIMs and take corrective action wherever necessary. Mobile users are advised to contact their respective service providers to confirm proper registration and update their details if required. Officials pointed out that these measures are essential for maintaining transparency in the telecom sector, preventing fraudulent activities, and ensuring that all mobile communication channels are secure and traceable. By strengthening enforcement and encouraging responsible usage, PTA aims to create a safer and more accountable environment for mobile users across Pakistan, where misuse of SIMs under false identities is no longer tolerated and regulatory compliance becomes the standard practice.
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