The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected claims of a mobile SIM data leak, saying its audit found no breaches within the licensed telecom sector.
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Recent media reports alleged that sensitive information of SIM holders, including Interior Minister Naqvi, was available for sale online. Prices reportedly included Rs500 for location details, Rs2,000 for call and data records, and Rs5,000 for foreign travel information.
In response, PTA said it had taken notice of the reports but clarified that it neither holds nor manages subscriber data, which remains with licensed telecom operators. The regulator added that its audits confirmed no security lapses in the sector.
According to PTA, the datasets being circulated online appear to include family details, CNIC copies, vehicle registrations, and travel history—indicating that the leak may have originated from multiple external sources rather than telecom operators.
The authority also highlighted its recent crackdown on unlawful online content, saying it had blocked 1,372 websites, apps, and social media pages involved in selling or sharing personal data.
The Ministry of Interior has already formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, PTA said it will continue monitoring and coordinating with relevant agencies to safeguard citizens’ data.
This is not the first major breach in Pakistan. In March 2024, a joint investigation team revealed that the credentials of 2.7 million citizens had been compromised in a leak from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) between 2019 and 2023.
