PTA launches crackdown on illegal SIM issuance in five cities

Islamabad: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday initiated a comprehensive crackdown on the illegal issuance of SIM cards across five major cities.

 The decisive action came as part of ongoing efforts to curb fraudulent activities and enhance security measures.

The PTA's zonal offices in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar spearheaded the operations, conducted raids on franchises of major telecom operators including Telenor, Jazz, Ufone, and Zong in the cities of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Kot Momin, Kohat, and Hangu.

According to the PTA, these franchises were found to be involved in the illegal issuance of SIM cards, which were subsequently used in criminal activities such as fraud and identity theft. The operations were executed with the collaboration of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

During the raids, the FIA confiscated 4 laptops, 1 PC, 12 BVS devices, active SIM cards, mobile phones, hard disks, original identity cards along with photocopies, and soft copies of Afghan passports and POR cards. Fifteen individuals working at the implicated franchises were arrested on the spot.

The FIA has registered FIRs against those involved. The PTA has stated that complaints were lodged based on information about the illegal issuance of SIM cards, leading to the coordinated crackdown.

This operation marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal SIM issuance and ensuring the integrity of telecommunications in Pakistan. The PTA remains committed to taking stringent actions against any entities found violating regulatory standards.