Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised mobile phone users to ensure their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) remain valid and updated to avoid suspension of SIM cards.
In a statement, the telecom regulator said SIMs registered against expired, cancelled or deceased individuals’ CNICs were being blocked as part of measures aimed at strengthening digital security and preventing misuse of mobile connections.
The PTA urged citizens to renew their CNICs through National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to prevent disruption in mobile services.
The authority stressed the importance of uninterrupted mobile connectivity and advised users to keep their identity information updated with mobile operators.
It also urged consumers to complete verification and activation of their CNIC records through NADRA to ensure continued access to secure communication services.
Earlier, NADRA announced that SIMs issued against expired or fake CNICs would be blocked immediately under a phased policy approved during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at NADRA headquarters.
According to the decision, SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in 2017 or earlier would be blocked in the first phase.
Subsequent phases will target SIMs linked to CNICs cancelled after 2017, officials said.
The meeting also decided that only valid and active CNICs would qualify for the issuance and continuation of SIMs.
NADRA chairman said the crackdown was aimed at preventing the misuse of SIMs registered to deceased individuals or holders of expired identity documents.
