Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced a new facility aimed at supporting overseas Pakistanis by allowing them to retain their Pakistani mobile phone SIM cards while staying abroad for extended periods. The announcement was made on Saturday through an official statement, highlighting the authority’s efforts to ensure continuity of mobile services for expatriates who often face SIM deactivation due to prolonged absence from the country. The initiative is designed to address long standing concerns raised by overseas Pakistanis regarding loss of access to their local numbers, which are frequently used for banking, official correspondence, and personal communication.
According to PTA, the facility will enable expatriates to maintain uninterrupted access to essential mobile services while living or working overseas. Under the new arrangement, Pakistani nationals residing abroad can contact their respective mobile network operators to avail the option of retaining their SIM cards without the risk of being blocked. The authority emphasized that the process would be facilitated through telecom operators, ensuring that users remain connected without needing to physically return to Pakistan or reissue new SIMs. This step is expected to ease communication challenges for millions of Pakistanis working in foreign countries who rely on their local numbers for verification services and digital platforms.
PTA stated that the move reflects its commitment to empowering overseas Pakistanis and strengthening digital connectivity at a global level. By enabling expatriates to retain their mobile numbers, the authority aims to support digital inclusion and ensure that overseas citizens remain integrated into Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. The measure also aligns with broader efforts to improve telecom service delivery and adapt regulatory frameworks to evolving user needs, particularly as cross border mobility increases. PTA noted that uninterrupted access to mobile services plays a critical role in maintaining links with family members, financial institutions, and government services back home.
Last month, PTA had reiterated its stance on SIM registration compliance, reminding users that all mobile SIM cards must be registered in the name of the individual using them. The authority warned that use of SIMs registered under another person’s name violates existing regulations and may result in regulatory action. PTA had advised telecom users to ensure responsible usage of their mobile connections and clarified that accountability for any misuse lies entirely with the registered subscriber. The authority stated that any SIM registered in the name of one individual but used by another is considered a violation of rules, and the registered user would be held fully responsible for unlawful activities carried out through that connection.
By introducing the SIM retention facility for overseas Pakistanis while maintaining strict compliance requirements, PTA aims to balance user convenience with regulatory oversight. The authority continues to emphasize responsible SIM usage alongside initiatives that enhance access and service continuity, particularly for Pakistanis residing abroad who remain dependent on local mobile connectivity for personal and professional needs.
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