The four main mobile operators in Pakistan are facing severe punishment from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). These businesses have been fined a total of Rs. 740 million by the authority for issuing illicit SIM cards without CNIC holders’ permission.
According to PTA, the telecom providers failed to adequately monitor their biometric verification systems and franchisees. Numerous unauthorised SIMs were registered in the names of innocent persons thanks to this vulnerability. Serious hazards including identity theft, cybercrimes, and financial fraud are brought on by such errors.
Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone, the four major operators, have been instructed to pay the fines by the deadline. They might be subject to additional legal action if they don’t pay. Even through third-party sellers, PTA holds the firms entirely accountable for each SIM card issued on their networks.
People are advised to check the SIMs registered on their CNIC Number through the PTA helpline (0800-55055), Also they can check by online portal and complain any unknown numbers right away. Only retailers can sell SIMs, and users should never give away personal information.