The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed new regulations requiring identity verification for foreign SIM cards and travel eSIMs operating on Pakistani mobile networks. The draft International Roaming (Inbound) Regulations, 2026, also introduce a 90-day threshold for international roaming connections and propose bringing travel SIM and eSIM service providers under the regulator’s oversight. According to a report by Business Recorder published on October 9, the proposed framework aims to address concerns involving financial fraud, cybercrime and the use of unverified mobile connections. Under the draft rules, roaming connections active for 90 days or more within any 180-day period could be classified as permanent roaming, potentially leading to suspension or blocking if operators cannot establish a legitimate temporary-use purpose.
The proposed framework would require cellular mobile operators to introduce Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for inbound international roaming users. The information to be collected could include passport or travel document details, nationality, SIM or eSIM identifiers, the user’s home network operator and, where available, arrival date and expected duration of stay. Verification could take place through activation procedures, welcome SMS messages containing verification links, a PTA-approved digital portal or coordination with immigration and border-control authorities. Alternative arrangements would also be needed for connections that cannot use SMS-based verification, including certain data-only eSIMs. The proposed digital verification process is intended to make roaming connections more traceable while helping operators identify suspicious activity across their networks.
The draft regulations also propose mandatory registration with the PTA for travel SIM and eSIM aggregators providing connectivity in Pakistan. These companies would need to disclose their underlying network providers and distribution channels, appoint a local focal person and share information about SIM issuance, activation, verification details and usage as required. Telecom operators would also be expected to deploy monitoring systems capable of identifying permanent roaming and unusual traffic patterns, retain specified roaming records for at least 12 months and submit periodic reports to the regulator. In cases involving suspected fraud or other abusive activity, operators could request subscriber information from foreign home networks, with the draft setting proposed response periods of 72 hours in general cases and 24 hours where an immediate security or fraud risk exists. A centralised database of blocked inbound roaming connections is also proposed to prevent suspended users from accessing Pakistani networks through another operator.
The proposed rules also address the use of machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) SIMs, which support connected devices and automated systems. The PTA has proposed restricting these specialised connections from being used for ordinary consumer voice calls, SMS and general-purpose data services, while allowing genuine industrial applications to receive approval on a case-by-case basis. If adopted, the regulations could affect foreign visitors using roaming SIMs, travel eSIM providers and businesses relying on international connectivity for connected devices. However, the 90-day threshold would not automatically mean that every foreign SIM must be blocked after that period; the draft allows consideration of whether the connection has a legitimate temporary purpose. The measures remain proposed regulations, and their final requirements will depend on the regulatory process and the rules ultimately adopted by the PTA.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
