Millions of SIMs Blocked Over Expired CNICs

As part of a widespread crackdown, the Government of Pakistan has directed all telecom companies to immediately block SIMs registered against expired CNICs. The Ministry of Interior has issued the directive with the aim of ensuring national security and rooting out illegal or inactive mobile connections.

According to details, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed all telecom companies, including Zong CMPak Ltd, Jazz, Telenor, and Ufone 4G, to block SIMs attached to expired identity cards urgently. The move comes after a formal communication from NADRA, where it also reiterated the need for active SIMs to be linked with valid CNICs.

The action is likely to affect millions of subscribers nationwide. Telecommunications companies have already started searching for such numbers in accordance with the directive. PTA made it clear that only the holder of the CNIC can have their number reinstated by renewing his/her ID and being biometrically verified.

The move highlights the government’s attempts to prevent illegal actions enabled through unchecked mobile connections. Although it might be inconvenient for the time being for the users whose CNICs have expired, the authorities consider it a step towards digital accountability and security.