ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s telecom regulator is reportedly preparing to restrict WhatsApp access on unverified or improperly registered SIM cards as part of a broader crackdown on digital fraud and identity misuse, according to media reports citing official sources.

The move, attributed to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), comes amid renewed efforts to tighten mobile identity verification and curb the use of unregistered SIMs in cybercrime, financial scams and impersonation cases.

Under the reported plan, users with unverified or non-compliant SIM registrations could face disruptions in accessing messaging services such as WhatsApp until their identity records are properly validated through the national telecom database and identity verification systems.

The proposed restrictions are part of a wider enforcement push targeting SIM misuse, a long-standing issue in Pakistan where authorities have periodically blocked millions of unverified or illegally issued mobile connections.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has previously carried out large-scale verification drives, disconnecting millions of SIMs linked to invalid or expired identity records and strengthening biometric verification requirements for mobile users.

Officials argue that unverified SIMs are frequently exploited for spam messaging, financial fraud, harassment and other forms of cybercrime, making tighter controls necessary for national security and consumer protection.

If implemented, the latest measure could further integrate messaging platforms with SIM-based identity systems, reinforcing regulatory oversight over digital communications in the country.

However, digital rights advocates have in the past raised concerns that such policies may impact user privacy, digital access and freedom of communication, particularly for low-income users who face barriers in completing formal verification processes.

The PTA has not yet issued a formal public notification confirming a nationwide rollout, and details regarding implementation timelines and technical enforcement remain unclear.

Pakistan has previously enforced similar telecom measures, including blocking inactive SIMs and restricting services linked to incomplete or suspicious identity records, as part of ongoing regulatory reforms in the sector.