Part of a major undertaking to heighten security and enforce digital compliance, the federal government has initiated a phased exercise of blocking over 4.9 million mobile SIMs registered against expired or counterfeit Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
The decision was made by the Ministry of Interior based on guidance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) overseeing its execution.
Official reports indicate that approximately 4,906,611 active SIMs are associated with CNICs that have either lapsed or belong to individuals who are no longer alive.
For minimizing the risk of abuse by unverified identities, these SIMs would be progressively deactivated according to the expiration date of the associated CNIC. Officials clarify that this measure is significant for national security as well as for preventing misuse of telecommunication services.
The first phase will include SIMs associated with CNICs expired in 2017, for disconnection up to June 30, 2025. The following phases will include SIMs associated with CNICs which are expiring in 2018 by July 31, and expiring in 2019 by August 31.
The de-activation drive will proceed month by month, and SIMs registered with CNICs that are to expire in 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be de-activated by September 30, October 31, and November 30, respectively.
The last phase will encompass all other SIMs linked to CNICs that have expired in 2023, 2024, or 2025 being blocked by December 31, 2025. The phased system provides subscribers with enough time to renew CNICs and enjoy uninterrupted mobile services. The Interior Ministry has appealed to citizens to renew their identity documents in advance to ensure continuity of services.
Regulators highlight that this action will significantly curb identity fraud, and only genuine users will still be permitted access to telecommunication networks. Citizens are asked to renew their lapsed CNICs beforehand so they are not inconvenienced and can enjoy unintermittent connectivity.
