ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In a major relief for Pakistanis living abroad, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a new initiative that will ensure that they get uninterrupted mobile phone services during their stay out of the country while using their Pakistani SIMs.
The PTA has taken the decision to facilitate overseas Pakistanis by maintaining continuity of their mobile phone services.
In a social media post, the PTA stated that as part of its commitment to providing uninterrupted telecom services, it has introduced measures allowing the Pakistani diaspora to keep working their SIM cards during their stay abroad.
Under the new policy, Pakistani mobile phone SIMs will no longer be blocked while users are living abroad.
SIM ownership
According to the PTA, expatriates will now be able to retain full ownership of their Pakistani mobile phone SIMs, even during extended stays abroad.
The decision will help resolve long-standing issues faced by overseas Pakistanis whose SIMs were previously deactivated due to prolonged inactivity.
How to avail this facility?
PTA has said that overseas Pakistanis can contact their relevant mobile phone service provider to avail themselves of this facility. The process will allow expatriates to keep their numbers active and accessible while abroad.
Subscribers can avail of this facility for a specific period by informing their respective cellular companies and paying the applicable charges.
The PTA has advised prepaid subscribers to use their mobile company’s services at least once every 180 days.
To keep the SIM active, users must either make a call, send an SMS, or use mobile data within this timeframe.
Postpaid customers
Postpaid customers are instructed to pay their monthly line rent and any outstanding dues on time to retain their connection.
According to the PTA, the initiative will help ensure continuous access to essential communication services, including banking, verification codes and contact with family in Pakistan.
Uninterrupted SIM services will enable expatriates to stay connected for personal, professional and emergency needs. This initiative also supports digital inclusion by allowing Pakistanis abroad to remain part of the country’s digital ecosystem.
A PTA spokesperson said it is actively working to expand digital connectivity globally and strengthen links between Pakistan and its citizens abroad.
