Islamabad – The federal government of Pakistan has announced plans to deactivate over 4.9 million mobile phone SIMs registered against expired, cancelled, impounded, or deceased persons’ Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). This phased initiative aims to strengthen national security and prevent misuse of mobile networks.
Following recommendations from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Ministry of Interior has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to implement the deactivation process beginning June 30, 2025. The process will deactivate SIMs registered on CNICs expired from 2017 through 2025 in scheduled phases ending December 31, 2025.
NADRA identified 4,906,611 CNICs linked to inactive or potentially fraudulent SIMs. These CNICs have not been officially renewed or reported as deceased. The government urges citizens to renew their CNICs promptly to avoid disruption of mobile services and to maintain valid status within the national identity system.
This move is expected to enhance the security of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure by eliminating SIM misuse linked to inactive or invalid identities.
