Telecom companies in Pakistan sell free of cost SIMs, and people often possess more than necessary, resulting in numerous inactive SIMs.
This persistent issue prompted Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take action. They have declared a fine of Rs 200 for individuals who leave their SIMs unused for six months. This regulation will be effective from January 1 2024. Cellular mobile operators in Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) to impose a “SIM Disowning Charge” of up to Rs 200 on SIMs retention period less than six months.
To verify the status of registered SIMs, users can utilize following methods:
- Visit Website
- Send an SMS with the CNIC number (without dashes) to 668.
Moreover, PTA recommends that consumers disown or return unnecessary SIMs at no cost by December 31 2023. In its statement, PTA stated, “By doing so, consumers can avoid SIM disowning charges and contribute to the responsible usage of SIMs.”
PTA clarified that a one-time waiver against the SIM disowning charge will be granted in cases of illegal SIM issuance without the consumer’s knowledge or consent. The statement concludes by emphasizing the PTA’s commitment to national safety and security while ensuring uninterrupted, quality services for all telecom customers.
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