The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently carried out a series of raids targeting franchises of Telenor, Jazz, Ufone, and CMPak (Zong) across multiple cities, including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Kot Momin, Kohat, and Hangu. These operations were executed through the PTA’s zonal offices located in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. The focus of these raids was on franchises suspected of being involved in the illegal issuance of SIM cards. Such activities have been linked to various criminal operations, including fraud, identity theft, and other illicit activities that undermine security and legality.
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During the enforcement actions, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) confiscated an array of items from the targeted franchises. These included 4 laptops, 1 desktop PC, and 12 BVS devices, which are used for biometric verification. In addition to these, active SIM cards, multiple mobile phones, a hard disk, and photocopies of original Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) were seized. The FIA also recovered soft copies of Afghan passports and Proof of Residence (PoR) cards, which are often used in fraudulent activities.
Fifteen individuals working at the franchises were apprehended at the scene, and FIRs have been lodged against them by the FIA. The investigation into these illegal activities is ongoing, with further actions anticipated.
Previously, the PTA had submitted complaints to the FIA based on intelligence regarding the illegal distribution of SIM cards by certain sales channels. These recent raids underscore the PTA’s commitment to combating the illegal issuance of SIM cards and reinforcing regulatory compliance across the telecommunications sector.
