ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a Rs38.9 million fine on Jazz for failing to comply with mandatory regulatory requirements governing the issuance, verification, activation and monitoring of corporate SIMs.

The enforcement order, issued under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996, identified regulatory deficiencies involving 400 corporate SIMs issued in the name of Target Marketing (Private) Limited.

The case followed a complaint by Target Marketing, which alleged that around 400 corporate postpaid SIMs had been issued in the company’s name without its request, approval or authorisation. The company later received a recovery notice seeking Rs626,360.48 in outstanding dues allegedly linked to the SIMs.

The PTA said Jazz failed to provide complete documentary evidence showing that mandatory end-user verification requirements had been fulfilled. These included records of end-user allocation, user credentials, names, CNIC details and addresses.

The regulator also found shortcomings in Jazz’s post-issuance monitoring mechanisms, including the requirement to block SIMs where complete end-user information was not provided within seven days.

Jazz had argued that the matter was primarily a billing or commercial dispute. The PTA rejected the argument, saying operators have continuing regulatory responsibilities to ensure the authenticity and traceability of SIM users beyond the initial corporate onboarding process.

The authority also maintained that the applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) form part of the binding regulatory framework for SIM issuance and activation.

The PTA said telecom operators are required to maintain effective oversight of franchises, authorised dealers and corporate customers through inspections, compliance checks and enforcement measures.

The regulator concluded that Jazz had breached licence conditions and binding regulatory directions relating to corporate SIM issuance, including relevant provisions of the SOP and Subscribers Regulations.

Jazz has been directed to deposit the Rs38.9 million penalty within 30 days of the issuance of the enforcement order. Failure to pay within the stipulated period could lead to further legal action, the PTA warned.

The action highlights the regulator’s continued scrutiny of SIM registration and verification practices as Pakistan seeks to strengthen accountability and prevent misuse of mobile connections.