Islamabad (HRNW) – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed hefty fines on four major mobile operators after investigations found SIMs were issued using national identity cards without the users’ consent.
According to details, the PTA has levied the following penalties:
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Zong: Rs. 155.6 million
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Jazz: Rs. 116.7 million
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Telenor: Rs. 116.7 million
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Ufone: Over Rs. 233.4 million
Reports say the action targets practices in which SIMs were activated based on ID cards without explicit user permission or proper Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. The PTA described such violations as a serious threat to users’ privacy and security and warned that regulatory breaches will not be tolerated.
Officials said notices have been issued to the operators and they must promptly correct their policies and KYC processes. The PTA also advised consumers to regularly check their identity details and SIM registration records and to file complaints immediately if they notice suspicious activity.
Human rights angle
HRNW emphasizes that protection of personal identity information, consumer privacy, and communication freedoms are fundamental human‑rights and rule‑of‑law pillars. Whenever evidence of unauthorized data processing or misuse appears, independent, transparent and effective investigations should follow, and affected individuals must be provided appropriate remedies and opportunities to defend themselves.
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⚠️ Important Note
This report is based on available reports and PTA actions. Final details on the fines’ terms, appeal rights, and further administrative steps will appear in formal notifications from the relevant authorities. HRNW aims to promote human rights, transparent accountability, and responsible journalism.
