PTA Clarifies Amendment in SOP on Increasing Buffer between SIM Sale Sessions for Enhanced Security

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) wishes to clarify about misconceptions circulating in media regarding PTA letter “Increasing Buffer between New SIM Sale Sessions from 8 hours to 7 days” issued on 18th January, 2024.

Read More: PTCL, Huawei conduct 50G-PON trial to pioneer Next Generation Fiber Optic Broadband in Pakistan

Currently, an 8 hour gap exists between successive biometric verifications from NADRA for SIM related transactions. The same is being increased to 7 days, for new SIM only, to counter the techniques employed by fraud mafia who tend to activate multiple illegal SIMs quickly for fraudulent activities in the name of consumer surveys, NGOs and free ration schemes for innocent citizens.

Furthermore, a new SIM can be issued immediately to a CNIC through biometric verification, however, in case of issuance of any subsequent new SIM on the same CNIC, subscriber will have to wait for 7 days for biometric verification by NADRA. It may be noted that the amendment in SOP has no effect on activation of duplicate SIMs or other SIM related transactions (i.e. Change of Ownership & MNP).

This amendment in SOP will be implemented from 24th January 2024 and is a part of the regulatory measures designed to safeguard against unauthorized or fraudulent issuance of SIM cards.