PTA Begins Blocking WhatsApp Accounts Registered on Inactive and Cancelled SIMs

ISLAMABAD (Daily Qudrat): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking WhatsApp accounts registered on inactive and cancelled SIMs. According to media reports, cancelled mobile numbers can be issued to another user under the prescribed procedure, in which case there is a risk of misuse of the WhatsApp account of the old number’s owner.

The purpose of the PTA’s action is to protect users’ accounts from possible misuse and unauthorised access. The PTA has directed users to keep their WhatsApp accounts linked to mobile numbers that are active and in their own use.

According to PTA officials, the action was initiated after warning users through an awareness campaign.

The authority had already directed users to keep their WhatsApp accounts linked to mobile numbers that are active and in their own use, so that they do not face difficulties in maintaining access to their accounts.

The PTA has clarified that inactive or cancelled mobile numbers can be issued to another user by telecom companies under the prescribed procedure.

In such a case, there is a risk of misuse of or unauthorised access to the WhatsApp account of the old number’s owner.

A PTA spokesman has directed users to verify the activity status of their mobile SIMs and, in case of changing their mobile number, to update the new number on WhatsApp as well. Users should register their WhatsApp accounts only on mobile numbers that are in their use.