PTA Crackdown Against Cyber Fraud, Millions of SIMs Blocked

PTA crackdown against cyber fraud has intensified across Pakistan as authorities take strict action against illegal SIM usage and online fraud networks.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) launched a major operation against cyber fraud during the past year. The authority blocked more than 5.1 million illegal SIM cards across the country. PTA also shut down 83 websites involved in illegal SIM sales.

PTA cleaned the telecom database by blocking 5.122 million SIMs within one year. During this process, officials recycled or blocked 891,000 inactive SIMs to improve system security.

Read Also: 5G Services in Pakistan: PTA Confirms Launch Timeline

Authorities blocked 3.2 million SIMs registered in the names of deceased individuals. They also closed 69,000 SIMs issued on canceled or confiscated identity cards. PTA blocked 783,000 SIMs linked to expired CNICs.

The authority also targeted SIMs used by deported foreign nationals. Officials blocked 179,000 SIMs belonging to individuals sent back to their home countries.

PTA worked closely with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency during this campaign. Teams conducted 76 raids in 24 cities against illegal local and foreign SIM operations. Officials seized 5,300 local SIMs and 8,000 foreign SIMs during these raids.

During the operations, PTA confiscated 99 biometric devices and over 250,000 digital fingerprints. Authorities arrested 71 people in 44 raids linked to illegal local SIMs. They also arrested 46 individuals in 32 raids related to international SIMs.

To prevent future misuse, PTA made three-factor verification mandatory for SIM sellers. The authority also introduced geo-fencing and live fingerprint detection on biometric devices.

Officials said these steps aim to protect users and strengthen Pakistan’s digital security system. The PTA crackdown against cyber fraud continues as authorities promise zero tolerance for illegal SIM activities.