PTA to fine unused SIMs? Here’s what you should know

Starting next year, January 1st, 2024, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will place a ‘SIM Disowning charge’ of Rs 200 on SIMs that are taken but are not used. All cellular networks have been informed and are in compliance.

Starting from January 1st, all cellular companies in Pakistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan will levy a Rs 200 SIM disowning charge on SIMs that have not been used for a period of 6 months. 

Unused SIMs to be charged by PTA

With several cellular operators providing free of cost SIMs in the local market, it has become a common parlance for individuals to take these SIMs and not use them for an extended period of time. This is done in hopes that the Cellular company might offer a free package or credit to subscribers who have not used their SIM card. However, this has been a growing problem in Pakistan and PTA has taken notice of this and has issued a final warning to subscribers who are not using their SIM cards for months.

You can check the status of your SIMs to ensure you don’t get charges for this. PTA has also informed that a “free pass” of one time will be given to users who are unaware of the issuance of a SIM card or a SIM has been illegally registered on their name. PTA has also advised the users to return unwanted, unused or inactive SIMs by December 31st, 2023.

To check the status of your SIM cards, just send your CNIC number to 668. Send your CNIC number without dashed and be advised that standard SMS charges may apply.