PTA SIM disowning period extends to one full year as the regulator tightens security rules around biometric verification and unauthorized registrations
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has made a significant change to how SIM cards work. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority extended the PTA SIM disowning period from 60 days to 365 days under a revised security policy. Therefore, anyone who activates a new SIM can no longer disown it for a full year from the date of activation. Moreover, the move forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal SIM issuance and unauthorized mobile registrations across the country.
The PTA framed the decision as a necessary step to protect citizens’ personal information. However, it also places greater responsibility on individuals to stay alert during the SIM activation process. The authority specifically warned against careless biometric verification. Misuse of biometric data can lead to unauthorized SIM registrations. Those registrations, in turn, can create serious legal and security complications for the person whose identity was used.
Checking registered SIMs is now more important than ever. The PTA encouraged citizens to regularly monitor the number of SIMs registered against their CNIC. The process is straightforward. Citizens can visit the official SIM information portal or send their CNIC number without dashes via SMS to 668. Furthermore, anyone who spots a suspicious or unauthorized SIM registration should report it to their mobile operator immediately.
The PTA also reinforced a clear rule — only personally used SIMs should appear against an individual’s CNIC. Therefore, allowing others to register SIMs in your name carries real risk, especially now that the disowning window stretches an entire year. Additionally, the extended period means any fraudulent activity linked to a SIM stays harder to shake off quickly.
Pakistan has long struggled with SIM-related fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized activations. This policy tightens the net around those practices. Finally, the PTA’s message to citizens is direct — protect your biometric data, check your registered SIMs regularly, and report anything suspicious without delay.
