ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s telecom regulator has directed all mobile network operators to strictly enforce regulations governing the sale and issuance of SIM cards, making operators fully accountable for every SIM activated on their networks.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said mobile operators will be held responsible for any SIM issued or sold through unauthorized or illegal channels, as part of efforts to strengthen subscriber verification and curb identity fraud.

Under the revised directives, new SIM cards may only be sold through authorized franchises, customer service centers and approved sales outlets. Mobile operators have also been instructed to assign a unique identification number to every sales representative involved in SIM issuance.

The regulator has made NADRA biometric verification mandatory before activating any new SIM. Biometric authentication will also be required for duplicate SIM issuance, SIM transfers and mobile number portability.

To combat fraud involving fake or cloned fingerprints, PTA has instructed operators to deploy biometric devices equipped with live finger detection technology, aimed at preventing the issuance of SIMs using artificial fingerprints.

The regulator also directed telecom operators to strengthen oversight of their franchisees and retailers through regular monitoring and monthly inspections. Operators have been ordered to maintain comprehensive records of SIM sales, biometric verification, sales representatives’ identities and all related transactions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The latest measures are part of PTA’s broader efforts to enhance the security of Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem, improve regulatory compliance and prevent the misuse of SIM cards in criminal and fraudulent activities.