ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued an advisory notice for citizens informing them that any unlawful use of a SIM card could land them in trouble, as handing over a SIM card registered in one’s own name to someone else would be a penal offense under the law.
As stated by PTA, the use of a SIM card registered in another person’s name would also be an unlawful activity. The authority also further said that any illegal activity using the SIM card would be solely registered against the name on which the SIM card is registered.
PTA urged people to be aware of the SIM cards that are registered against their CNIC and get them blocked, which are either unknown or are not in use.
Moreover, it also stated that new SIMs should only be bought from franchise outlets or official customer centers.
The PTA again alerted and requested its valued customers to be extremely careful in the use of mobile SIM cards so that they help in tackling cybercrime and other illegal activities at large across the country.
PTA issues alert for WhatsApp users
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a very important and urgent warning to WhatsApp users across the country regarding mobile phone SIMs.
The PTA has clarified that the digital identity of the users is their own responsibility, so ensure timely verification of inactive or unregistered SIMs linked to your WhatsApp at all times.
In a special post issued by the PTA on social media, citizens have been warned that if their WhatsApp account is running on a mobile SIM that is inactive, blocked, canceled, or unregistered, then their account may soon become inaccessible, i.e., closed.
The authority has stressed that immediate steps should be taken to protect your accounts, important chats, contacts, and your digital identity.
Instructing users, the PTA says that they should always ensure that their WhatsApp number is working on an active and registered SIM. The authority has advised users not to wait for their account to be unexpectedly logged out, as a mobile number is not just a number but also a digital identity of the user.
PTA has suggested the following three basic and most important steps for users to avoid this situation
1. If necessary, immediately contact your nearest relevant network franchise or customer service center to get biometric verification and verification of your mobile SIM.
2. If your current SIM (on which WhatsApp is installed) has been deactivated or deactivated, then immediately transfer your WhatsApp account to another verified and active SIM number without any delay.
3. It is mandatory to ensure that in the future, your WhatsApp number remains linked to only an active and legally registered SIM.
