The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has commenced the process of blocking SIM cards issued on cancelled and fake identity cards.

According to a spokesman, this move follows the deadline of August 16, set for the implementation of this regulatory change.

The spokesperson says SIM cards linked to invalid or fraudulent ID cards are now being deactivated. Users who find their SIMs blocked can restore them by obtaining a valid ID card from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Restoration of blocked SIMs can be completed through biometric verification associated with the original, legitimate ID card. The PTA says statistics regarding blocked SIMs will be released in a few days.

The PTA has confirmed that the blocking process is underway, with statistics on the number of deactivated SIMs expected to be released in the coming days. The decision to block these SIMs was made after the PTA received data on cancelled and fake identity cards from NADRA.

Also Read: PTA to block SIM cards issued on cancelled, expired ID cards

Sources said orders were given to mobile phone operators to block SIMs on receiving data from NADRA.

Mobile phone operators have been directed to block SIMs based on this data, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

On August 12, the PTA had announced the major decision to block illegal mobile SIM cards. It announced that the SIMs issued on cancelled identity cards will be blocked on August 16. Moreover, the SIMs active on the identity cards of deceased individuals are also set to be blocked by October 15.

Furthermore, it was decided to block mobile SIM cards issued on identity cards expired since 2017. Customers have been given time till September 2 to get their identity cards renewed. The PTA had sent alerts to the SIMs it intends to block, while it also plans to start an awareness campaign in this regard soon.

The authority had said that customers would need to provide original death certificates and proof of kinship in order to get SIMs transferred in their names. The PTA had sought from NADRA the data of expired and cancelled ID cards, as well as details of those who have been deceased.