The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced it will begin blocking SIM cards registered to deceased individuals starting June 30, 2025, in a nationwide effort to combat the misuse of inactive identity records in financial fraud, terrorism, online scams, and other illegal activities.
This operation follows a data-sharing agreement with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which provided verified records of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of deceased persons still linked to active mobile numbers. Authorities highlight that such SIM cards are frequently exploited by criminals taking advantage of gaps in identity verification systems.
The crackdown will be implemented in three phases: the first phase will deactivate SIMs registered to CNICs expired in 2017; phase two is set to begin on November 30, 2025; and the final phase will conclude on December 31, 2025, after which any remaining unverified SIMs will be blocked.
NADRA has urged family members or legal heirs who wish to retain a deceased relative’s SIM card to update the ownership records by submitting appropriate documentation and applying for corrections either through NADRA or mobile operators to prevent disconnection.
This initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader digital safety strategy aimed at cleaning telecom databases, enhancing cybersecurity, and reinforcing identity verification measures. Officials expect these steps to significantly reduce SIM-related criminal activities and ensure mobile connections are held only by verified individuals.
