The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the FIA Cyber Crime Circle, has intensified its crackdown on the illegal issuance of SIMs, with a major raid targeting a Ufone franchise in Arifwala, Sahiwal. The franchise was found engaged in large-scale SIM fraud, posing a serious risk to national security and digital safety.
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During the raid, authorities uncovered a massive setup for biometric fraud, seizing 650 paper fingerprints (6,500 impressions), 1,500 digital fingerprints (15,000 impressions), 12 silicon thumb/finger sets, 105 active SIMs, 3 BVS devices, a scanner, and a laptop. The FIA arrested the franchise owner on the spot, while another suspect was detained in Bahawalnagar for supplying fake fingerprints. The investigation is ongoing, and an FIR has been registered.
This latest action highlights PTA’s growing concerns over Ufone’s franchise network being exploited for unlawful SIM issuance. Such activities facilitate cybercrime, financial fraud, and unauthorized communications, raising alarms over the telecom provider’s internal monitoring mechanisms. Despite repeated warnings and previous actions, Ufone continues to feature in SIM fraud cases, putting its credibility at stake.
PTA has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal SIM issuance and ensuring compliance with the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS). Telecom operators, including Ufone, are urged to tighten their franchise oversight or face stricter regulatory actions.
