ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s telecom regulator has imposed a Rs77.8 million fine on China Mobile Pakistan (Zong) for violating mandatory geo-fencing rules governing SIM sales, after a company sales representative was found selling SIMs outside an authorised location in Islamabad.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a formal order directing Zong to deposit the penalty within 10 days, warning that further action could follow if the amount is not paid within the stipulated period.

According to the PTA, a sales representative linked to Zong’s Taxila franchise was found selling SIM cards at I-10 Markaz in Islamabad, outside the geographical area authorised for the representative.

The regulator said the representative was operating beyond the prescribed 100-metre geo-fenced radius and had not obtained permission to sell SIMs outside the designated location.

The PTA stressed that completing biometric verification of customers does not eliminate a geo-fencing violation. It said biometric verification and geo-fencing are separate mandatory requirements governing SIM issuance and sales.

The case highlights the regulator’s increasing scrutiny of mobile operators’ sales networks as Pakistan seeks to tighten controls over SIM issuance and prevent misuse of mobile connections.

Zong reportedly described the incident as an individual mistake by a sales officer and said it had taken corrective action against the employee.

The PTA rejected the company’s position, maintaining that mobile operators remain responsible for monitoring and controlling their authorised sales networks and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

The regulator further said corrective measures taken after a violation cannot absolve a company from the financial penalty imposed for the breach.

The action underscores the PTA’s strict enforcement of geo-fencing rules, under which SIM cards must be sold only within approved locations unless specific regulatory permission has been obtained.