PTA warns of SIM blockage linked to expired, invalid CNICs

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned that SIM cards linked to expired, cancelled, or deceased individuals’ CNICs may be blocked, urging users to update their identity records to avoid service disruption.

In a statement, PTA stressed the importance of maintaining valid Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) for uninterrupted mobile connectivity across Pakistan. Users were advised to renew expired CNICs, resolve cancellation issues, and ensure no SIM is registered under the identity of a deceased person.

The advisory follows concerns raised by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which reported that millions of identity documents across the country have expired. The authority warned that failure to renew CNICs could result in disruption of essential services, including mobile connections, banking, government subsidies, and property transactions.

According to official data, over 27 million CNICs and millions of other identity documents remain unrenewed. PTA noted that more than 8.1 million active SIMs are currently linked to around 4.5 million CNICs requiring renewal, while approximately 1.5 million SIMs are still registered under deceased individuals.

Read More: Mohsin Naqvi, US envoy discuss Iran-US talks as Islamabad tightens security

NADRA has urged citizens to take immediate steps to renew their documents and ensure compliance with legal requirements. The authority also cautioned that penalties and additional fees may be introduced in the next fiscal year if delays in renewal persist.

Officials said the move aims to promote a secure and reliable telecom ecosystem while safeguarding consumer interests through proper identity verification.