The federal government has initiated a nationwide phased operation to block nearly 5 million mobile SIMs issued on expired or canceled Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), in a step to improve digital identity verification and prevent misuse of mobile networks. The campaign is based on directives issued by the Ministry of Interior following detailed recommendations from NADRA. PTA is overseeing the implementation of this operation, which aims to ensure that only verified and active identities are associated with mobile phone numbers in Pakistan.
According to official figures, 4,906,611 SIMs are currently registered to CNICs that have either expired or belong to deceased individuals. These SIMs will be deactivated in stages, based on the expiration year of the CNIC. The aim is to systematically remove outdated or unverified mobile registrations to strengthen digital governance and national security.
The process will begin with SIMs linked to CNICs that expired in 2017, which are scheduled for blocking by June 30, 2025. Subsequent phases will target expired CNICs year by year, with deactivations scheduled for July 31 for CNICs that expired in 2018, August 31 for 2019, and continuing through the end of the year. CNICs that expired in 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be addressed by September 30, October 31, and November 30 respectively. Finally, all mobile numbers issued on CNICs expired in 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be blocked by December 31, 2025.
Authorities stated that the timeline has been structured to allow affected individuals adequate time to renew their CNICs and maintain mobile service without disruption. Citizens have been strongly advised to verify and update their identity information with NADRA to avoid inconvenience. The Ministry of Interior emphasized the need for timely action by mobile users to prevent service suspension.
This move is part of a larger national effort to secure Pakistan’s digital communications ecosystem, which has seen increasing risks due to identity fraud and unverified SIM usage. By ensuring that all SIMs are linked to valid and active CNICs, the government aims to eliminate loopholes that can be exploited for illicit activities, while reinforcing digital trust across mobile networks.
Officials believe that the strategy will also improve the integrity of national databases and provide a more reliable foundation for digital services and mobile-based applications. Telecom users across the country are encouraged to proactively confirm their CNIC status to ensure compliance with the policy and avoid service disruptions during the phased implementation period.
