ISLAMABAD

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set a minimum 180-day validity period for prepaid mobile balance, in a move aimed at strengthening consumer protection and giving users greater flexibility over their recharges.

The new rules will take effect from October 1, 2026, with mobile operators required to ensure that prepaid recharges and balances remain valid for at least 180 days.

Under the new arrangement, if a user’s balance expires during the 180-day period, the expired amount will be automatically restored when the customer recharges the account again, according to the PTA announcement.

The regulator said the measure is intended to protect prepaid subscribers from losing unused balance and establish clearer rules for mobile operators regarding recharge validity.

PTA said the decision forms part of its broader efforts to safeguard consumer rights, improve transparency and promote a fair business environment in the telecommunications sector.

The new minimum validity period is expected to particularly benefit prepaid users who do not recharge their accounts frequently, giving them more time to use their existing balance without the risk of permanent loss.