The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a directive following the discovery of a scam involving fake SIM cards circulated under the guise of free mobile SIM offers.
Citizens have been advised not to accept free SIM cards from roadsides or public squares. The authority stated that a new SIM should only be obtained from authorised mobile company customer service centres or official franchises.
Users have been warned not to expose their biometric verification in exchange for the lure of a free SIM.
According to the advisory, fraudulent activity may result in SIMs being issued in a person’s name without their knowledge.
Should such SIMs be used for unlawful purposes, legal complications may arise for the registered individual.
It has been directed that no SIM is to be registered on any national identity card without the holder’s consent.
The PTA has also urged citizens to immediately block any additional or unused SIMs registered against their names.
