Farhan Qureshi 
In a move to boost digital security, improve standards of biometric verification and restrict the use of unauthorised SIMs across the country, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced major amendments under PTA SIM rules 2026 in mobile SIM ownership regulations.
Under the revised framework, the waiting period for disowning or transferring a new activated SIM has been increased from 60 days to 365 days. The revised policy is a part of Pakistan’s wider efforts to improve telecom security, consumer protection and monitoring mechanisms against fraudulent mobile registrations.
New 365 Day Sim Disowning Rule Explained
PTA has introduced one of the major changes, which is the increase of the disowning period for the SIM to one full year. Users were previously able to remove or transfer ownership of a SIM after 60 days of activation. Under the new policy, any SIM activated through biometric verification will be required to remain registered under the same individual’s CNIC for 365 days.
The rule is applicable to all newly issued SIM cards activated through telecom operators Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor in Pakistan.
Pta Restricts Nighttime Sim Card Sales
In addition to the new disowning period, PTA has banned the issuance and sale of SIMs at night across the country.
Amended Regulation:
- No sale of SIMs between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM
- Telecom franchisees and retailers will have to stop issuing new SIMs during these hours
- Biometric verification systems retain new registrations overnight
The night restriction is a measure to prevent suspicious or unauthorised SIM activation activities that are often linked to identity fraud and illegal use of telecom services.
Inactive Sims To Be Shut Down Permanently
PTA has also tightened its policy for managing inactive SIMs to improve network efficiency and curb hoarding of unused numbers.
Under the new regulation, SIM cards that have been inactive for 180 days can be permanently deactivated and recycled for future issuance.
Zero activity includes:
- No calls made or received
- No use of SMS
- No activity on mobile net
Hence, consumers are recommended to use their registered SIMs from time to time to keep them active and prevent automatic disconnection.
The policy also assists telecom operators in better managing scarce numbering resources and avoiding abuse of dormant SIMs.
Cnic Sims Have Expired And Are Invalid Under Strict Surveillance
In the overall telecom security set-up, PTA has increased its vigilance against SIMs linked to expired, cancelled or dead CNIC records.
Under the updated verification rules, SIMs registered against invalid identity documents will be immediately blocked.
The move is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to protect the digital identities and prevent the abuse of inactive or stolen citizen data.
Why Pakistan Is Strengthening Sim Verification Rules
Pakistan’s telecommunication industry has experienced rapid growth in the last decade. Mobile connectivity is one of the most important digital infrastructure sectors in the country. But the growth has also raised risks of cybercrime, identity theft and illegal SIM registrations.
The updated regulations by the PTA are designed to:
- Enhance Biometric Accountability
- Cut down on fraudulent SIM use
- Boost national cyber security initiatives
- Safeguard consumers against identity misuse
- Make the telecom sector more open
While officials support the growing online economy in Pakistan, they say there is a need for more stringent verification standards to ensure the security of digital communications systems.
What To Do As A Mobile User
PTA has also asked mobile users across Pakistan to carefully check all SIMs currently registered under their CNICs and report any unauthorised numbers immediately.
Consumers can check the details of a registered SIM through:
- CNIC Verification Service PTA
- Send CNIC number without dashes to 668
Authorities recommend regular checks to make sure there are no unknown or fraudulent links attached to personal identification records.
Mobile users are also advised to be careful when doing biometric verification. Long-term problems can arise from accidental or unauthorised registrations because newly activated SIMs cannot be disowned for a period of one year.
Significance Of Keeping Active Sim Use
Under the amended PTA rules, more stress has been laid on retaining basic activity on registered SIMs.
Officials are telling consumers to
- Sometimes Call or Text
- Occasionally use mobile internet
- Regularly monitor SIM activity
Use it a little in the 180 days, and you’ll be safe from automatic deactivation.
This policy impacts particularly the secondary or backup SIM users who may not be frequent users of certain connections but still want to retain ownership.
Impact On The Pakistan Telecom Sector
Industry analysts say the revised PTA rules could help improve the long-term stability of the telecom sector and the confidence of consumers. Digital fraud risks can be tackled, and more secure mobile banking and online services can be facilitated through enhanced biometric enforcement and SIM monitoring mechanisms.
Summary
PTA’s new SIM ownership rules signify a major shift in Pakistan’s telecom security framework. The authorities want to increase transparency and curb the misuse of mobile phones across the country by extending the SIM disowning period to 365 days, limiting the sale of SIMs at night and improving biometric compliance.
