ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): PTA Warns Users to Update CNICs or Face SIM Blockage in Pakistan
PTA SIM block, CNIC update Pakistan, SIM deactivation PTA if these terms brought you here, read this immediately.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an urgent warning to all mobile users in Pakistan: SIMs registered on expired or inactive CNICs will be blocked without further notice. If your CNIC is expired, outdated, or registered under a deceased person, your SIM faces immediate deactivation and once blocked, your number will not be recoverable.
These important instructions have been issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for mobile users, stating that SIMs registered in the name of any deceased person can be blocked at any time.
PTA said that SIMs operating on expired identity cards can also be blocked at any time, after which the number will not be available again. PTA urged the public to immediately renew their identity cards.
How to Avoid PTA SIM Blockage Act Now
To keep your SIM active and avoid deactivation:
- Check your CNIC expiry date immediately
- Visit your nearest NADRA office or use the NADRA e-Sahulat portal to renew
- Ensure your SIM is registered under your valid, active CNIC
- Use your SIM at least once every 180 days to prevent inactivity-based blocking
PTA has appealed to NADRA to fast-track CNIC renewals and resolve identity verification issues to support this telecom security initiative. Failure to comply may result in permanent disruption of your mobile services.
PTA appealed to NADRA to resolve identity card issues and said that PTA is taking this step for a secure and transparent telecom system. Failure to follow the instructions may affect mobile services.
Availability of free SIMs
It is worth noting that due to the availability of free SIMs across Pakistan, a large number of users acquire SIMs but use them infrequently.
Therefore, a policy has been introduced that SIMs not used for 180 days will be blocked and reissued to new users.
Additionally, a warning has been issued to block SIMs if users’ expired identity cards are not renewed.
