PTA bans sale of SIM cards nationwide during late-night hours

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a nationwide ban on the sale of SIM cards from midnight to 6am in an effort to curb the issuance of illegal SIMs and strengthen the country’s security framework.

According to the PTA, all mobile phone companies have been directed to suspend SIM card sales across the country between 12:00am and 6:00am. The decision was taken in view of growing concerns regarding the misuse of fake and illegal SIMs, with the aim of ensuring consumer protection and maintaining a transparent telecom system.

The authority stated that all authorized franchises, retailers, and other sales points will be responsible for complying with the new timings. Strict legal and administrative action will be taken under telecom laws against those found violating the directives.

PTA also advised citizens to purchase SIM cards only from authorized centers during designated hours and to ensure mandatory biometric verification before SIM activation.

The authority urged the public to immediately report any violations through the PTA Complaint Management System, PTA CMS app, digital assistant WhatsApp service, or the toll-free helpline.

According to a PTA spokesperson, the move is an important step toward protecting consumer interests, preventing misuse of SIM cards, and establishing a secure and transparent telecom environment in the country.