ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun considering a proposal to reduce the permitted number of voice SIMs per identity card from 5 to 3.
The PTA aims to curb cybercrime while simultaneously increasing the limit for data SIMs to accommodate the requirements of 5G services.
According to PTA officials, current regulations based on a court ruling allow for a total of 8 SIMs to be issued against a single National Identity Card (NIC), consisting of 5 voice SIMs and 3 data SIMs.
Officials state that the issuance of a large number of voice SIMs increases the risk of misuse and involvement in cybercrimes; therefore, reducing the limit on voice SIMs has become essential to mitigate these threats.
PTA officials further clarified that, based on general observation, an average user typically utilizes only 2 to 3 voice SIMs at any given time. Consequently, lowering the limit from 5 to 3 voice SIMs will not negatively impact ordinary users, while it will help deter illicit activities.
Meanwhile, PTA officials noted that a proposal to increase the limit for data SIMs currently capped at 3 per identity card is also under serious consideration to meet future digital requirements.
According to officials, with the introduction of 5G technology in the country, the expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) services and the need to keep modern devices interconnected will make the issuance of a larger number of data SIMs a critical necessity.
PTA officials state that the process of reviewing the number of SIM cards allowed per identity card will be carried out in consultation with all mobile phone operators and telecommunication companies, following which the final policy will be announced.
It is worth noting that in the past, the biometric verification system was tightened to ensure national security and curb the use of fraudulent SIM cards; now, in light of the evolving digital landscape, efforts are underway to strike a balance between the number of voice and data SIM cards.
