Islamabad (HRNW) – A claim circulating widely on social media regarding a new Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) policy on SIM card ownership has been verified as accurate.
According to the viral claim, active SIM cards can no longer be de-owned or transferred to another person within 365 days of activation. Previously, this restriction period was 60 days. The claim generated considerable discussion among mobile users seeking clarification on whether the information was genuine.
Investigations confirm that PTA has officially revised its SIM de-ownership policy and increased the waiting period from 60 days to 365 days. As a result, newly activated SIM cards cannot be de-owned or transferred to another individual for one year after activation.
PTA Director General for International Relations and Government Affairs Division, Ahmed Shamim, confirmed the policy change, stating that users will not be able to de-own newly activated SIM cards before the completion of the one-year period.
The authority has also issued advisories through its official social media platforms, explaining that the measure aims to curb illegal SIM issuance, prevent unauthorized registrations, and strengthen digital security across the country.
PTA has advised citizens to exercise caution during biometric verification when obtaining new SIM cards, as newly activated SIMs can now only be deactivated after one year. Users have also been encouraged to regularly review the number of SIM cards registered against their CNIC.
Citizens can check registered SIM information through the PTA SIM Information System or by sending their CNIC number (without dashes) via SMS to 668.
The social media claim is true. PTA has officially extended the SIM de-ownership and transfer restriction period from 60 days to 365 days, meaning that a newly activated SIM cannot be de-owned or transferred to another person for one year.
HRNW relies on the support of its readers to continue providing accurate, timely, and independent news coverage. To support our work, please consider making a donation:
Donate to HRNW
