After the 2000s, mobile phones became pretty popular in Pakistan to their easy availability and cheaper rates. People started buying mobile phones and with that came the SIMs (subscriber identity modules). There are currently four GSM operators in Pakistan that are Telenor, Jazz/Warid, Zong, and Ufone. In 2009, when the number of SIM users increased heavily in Pakistan, a lot of terrorist attacks and fraudulent activities were found linked to unregistered SIMS. Then is when the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) introduced an advanced digital SIM that allows tracking of all the subscribed SIMs. A SIM is registered on your CNIC and since the number of subscribers grew in Pakistan rapidly, it was deemed necessary to keep a track of all the SIMs.
How Many SIMs Can Be Registered Against a CNIC?
You can have multiple SIMs issued on your CNIC but PTA has put a limit on the number of SIMs that can be issued against one CNIC. Currently, a CNIC can have 5 SIMs registered on it. If you wish to register another SIM then you will have to get one of the previous ones, that you do not use anymore, blocked.
It is also not suitable to use a SIM issued against somebody else’s CNIC or to let somebody else issue a SIM against your CNIC. You can also check the status of the SIMs registered in your name.
How to Check How Many SIMs on My Name?
You must have all the information regarding how many SIMs are registered on your CNIC since it can lead you to future troubles. If you are not aware of how many SIMs are registered in your name, then you can easily check by following any of these two methods:
- Through the PTA Website:
Visit the website cnic.sims.pk and fill in all the required information like your CNIC number and name. You will instantly get a list of SIMs registered to your name. You will also be able to view which operator’s SIMs you have and the total number of SIMs registered against your CNIC.
2. Through SMS:
Another easy way to check the number of SIMs registered against your name is to send your CNIC number to 668. You will receive an instant reply showing you the number of SIMs registered against your CNIC and which operators they belong to.
Service charges of Rs. 2 + tax will be applied each time you send an SMS to 668.
If you see a SIM registered in your name that does not belong to you, then it is your duty to resolve the matter to stay safe and avoid any fraudulent activities in your name. Immediately contact the Customer Service Center of the following operator and let them know about it.
What is SIM Cloning?
SIM cloning is an illegal activity that includes duplicating a SIM card by transferring all the identification information of the original SIM to make a cloned SIM. Once the process is done, the SIM card can be used by another person with the same number from another phone containing all the similar data and the charges attached to the original SIM.
SIM cloning is a dangerous thing and over the years it has become a major tool for criminals to perform illegal activities such as calling someone to make illegal demands or asking for ransom. If someone you know received a call from your number that you did not make then immediately call your operator’s Customer Service department and let them know about the situation. Lodge a complaint to have the SIM blocked as otherwise you can be held accountable for any fraudulent activity done from your phone number.
PTA Biometric Verification System:
A Biometric Verification System was introduced by PTA in collaboration with NADRA to ensure the safety of all the SIM card holders and subscribers as well as decrease the number of illegal activities linked with them. BVS uses the digital CNIC records to verify a SIM and its user. You can also use the verification system for other uses such as:
- Buying or activating a new SIM
- Duplicating a lost or stolen SIM
- Change the ownership of the SIM
- Reverification of SIM
- Resolve issues related to Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Make sure when you buy a SIM, it is PTA verified, or have your old SIM verified by visiting the Service Center of the respective operator. Having a PTA verified SIM will protect you and ensure your safety from any sorts of cyber crimes and illegal cellular activities. If you find a SIM registered to your CNIC that does not belong to you, then have it blocked. If you have a SIM card that you no longer use, then have it blocked as well. Remember, it is a crime to use an illegal or unregistered SIM.
