A Major Regulatory Move by Pakistan’s Telecom Authority
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has announced a significant policy shift to reduce the misuse of mobile phone connections. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has now made it mandatory for all mobile SIM cards to remain registered strictly in the name of the actual user.
Under this decision, people who use SIM cards registered in someone else’s name will violate the law. Consequently, authorities plan to take action against such users. Officials say this move aims to strengthen public safety, reduce fraud, and improve accountability across Pakistan’s telecom network.
Pakistan has more than 190 million mobile connections, according to official data. Therefore, regulators view SIM registration as a critical national security issue. Over the years, authorities have repeatedly warned that unverified or misused SIM cards enable criminal networks.
Why the PTA Introduced the New Rule
According to the PTA, the decision directly targets illegal activities linked to mobile phone misuse. These activities include financial fraud, impersonation, cybercrime, and harassment. In addition, security agencies have raised concerns about the use of unregistered SIMs in serious criminal cases.
When people use SIM cards registered under borrowed identities, investigators struggle to trace suspects. As a result, law enforcement responses often face delays. Therefore, the PTA believes stricter ownership rules will close these gaps.
Moreover, officials argue that clear ownership will discourage irresponsible behavior. By tying each SIM to a verified individual, the authority hopes to increase transparency throughout the telecom system.
Legal Responsibility Rests with the SIM Owner
The PTA has clearly stated that legal responsibility will rest with the registered SIM owner. Any misuse of a SIM card, including calls, messages, or data activity, will fall under that person’s liability.
For example, if someone uses a borrowed SIM for fraud, authorities will question the registered owner first. Therefore, sharing SIM cards with friends, relatives, or employees now carries serious risks.
The regulator has also warned that careless handling of telecom connections can lead to severe legal consequences. As a result, users must treat their mobile numbers as personal legal assets, not casual tools.
Enforcement Measures and Possible Penalties
The PTA has confirmed that all users must follow telecom laws and usage regulations. If users violate these rules, authorities can suspend their SIM cards immediately.
Furthermore, serious violations may trigger legal proceedings under existing telecom and cybercrime laws. These cases could involve fines or additional penalties, depending on the nature of the offense.
Importantly, the new requirement applies to all mobile networks. Both prepaid and postpaid connections fall under the same enforcement framework. Therefore, no category of users will receive exemptions.
Public Advisory: Verify SIM Ownership Without Delay
At the same time, the PTA has urged citizens to check their SIM registration details as soon as possible. Users should confirm that every active number appears under their own national identity record.
If a SIM remains registered in another person’s name, users should visit their mobile operator’s service center. There, they can complete biometric verification to transfer ownership legally.
By acting early, users can avoid future legal complications. Moreover, proper registration protects individuals from being blamed for crimes they did not commit.
Boosting Transparency in the Telecom Sector
Officials believe this decision will strengthen trust and accountability within Pakistan’s telecom sector. In addition, it will discourage the circulation of illegal and undocumented SIM cards.
Pakistan has already carried out several biometric verification drives in the past. Therefore, this step builds on earlier regulatory efforts rather than replacing them.
Finally, the PTA has appealed for public cooperation. It emphasized that responsible SIM ownership plays a key role in building a safer digital environment. In today’s connected world, a mobile connection represents not only convenience but also legal responsibility.
