Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, in collaboration with the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore, conducted a series of coordinated enforcement actions targeting illegal SIM issuance networks operating in multiple cities. Raids were carried out in Multan, Kot Momin (Sargodha), and Hasilpur, uncovering large-scale misuse of biometric verification systems (BVS) and unauthorized activation of SIM cards across all major telecom operators.
In Multan, officials discovered an extensive grey setup where a large quantity of active SIMs was being misused. Although the operational equipment was confiscated during the raid, the main suspect managed to evade arrest. Following forensic analysis of the recovered SIMs, investigators traced a suspicious pattern that led to a telecom franchise in Kot Momin. During the subsequent operation at that location, PTA and NCCIA arrested the franchise owner along with two accomplices.
Further investigations linked the illegal SIM operation to another individual operating in Hasilpur, who was found supplying biometric fingerprints and collecting activated SIMs. The primary suspect behind the broader network, who previously operated a franchise in Lahore and currently manages franchises in Vehari, Hasilpur, and Multan, was also apprehended in the process.
Authorities recovered a total of 15,996 pre-active SIMs during the operation, broken down by operator as follows: 12,636 Ufone, 1,370 Jazz, 1,100 Zong, and 890 Telenor. The raid also resulted in the seizure of 18 Zong BVS devices, one 128-port gateway, six 64-port gateways, and four 32-port gateways, which are typically used in bypassing standard verification processes and enabling unauthorized call routing.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by NCCIA, and legal proceedings are underway. PTA stated that the recent enforcement actions are part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal telecom activities that threaten the integrity of the national digital infrastructure. The authority reiterated its resolve to maintain strict oversight and continue pursuing violators involved in the misuse of biometric systems and unauthorized SIM issuance.
These activities not only compromise the authenticity of telecom user records but also create risks related to fraud, digital crime, and untraceable communication. By targeting the supply chain—spanning from SIM issuance to fingerprint suppliers—PTA and NCCIA aim to restore regulatory compliance and accountability in the telecom sector. The coordinated approach also highlights the role of field-level intelligence and inter-agency collaboration in identifying and neutralizing fraudulent telecom operations across Pakistan.
