ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that all SIM cards issued in the names of deceased individuals will be blocked effective October 15, 2024.
The PTA has urged citizens who wish to transfer such SIMs to their own names to complete the necessary documentation at the relevant SIM provider’s franchise or service center to avoid disruption.
This move is part of a three-phase plan by the PTA to block SIMs associated with fraudulent or outdated information.
Pakistan to phase out SIMs in new PTA plan
The first phase, that began on August 16, included blocking of SIMs registered with fake or canceled CNICs. The second phase targeted SIMs registered with expired CNICs.
The final phase of the initiative will involve blocking SIMs registered in the names of deceased people. This step is designed to eliminate the misuse of SIMs associated with CNICs of individuals who have passed away.
The PTA has already begun notifying affected users through text messages, informing them of the impending SIM closures and advising them to verify and update their registration details. PTA obtained data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to facilitate this process. – INP