Since each and every SIM is now associated with finger prints of users, who can be tracked one way or the other through NADRA records, the rule of 5 SIMs per CNIC should be removed.
Efforts will be made to request the apex court to void its earlier decision according to which no individual in Pakistan could have more than 5 SIMs (of one or more operators) per CNIC.
This was stated by Dr. Ismail Shah, Chairman PTA, during a press conference this Saturday.
Chairman explained that the rule of 5 SIMs per CNIC was implemented on directions of a Supreme Court directive, which was based on security situation in the country and when SIMs were not properly registered.
While each and every SIM in Pakistan will be able to be traced, due to re-verification of all cellular users, PTA will make required efforts to get past this decision now.
Dr. Ismail further said that having more than 5 SIMs on a single CNIC shouldn’t be a security concern any more. He further said that with changing market trends consumers now require more SIMs than ever before.
For example, considering the phenomenon of “Internet of Things”, consumer may need one SIM for phone, another for dongle, another for laptop, one another for car for tracking service, another for security camera (which can be on 3G to communicate with server) and the list goes on.
Dr. Ismail said that cellular data will play a key role in upcoming times and this is where SIMs should be made freely available, given they are properly registered and tied to customers who can be traced in case of any criminal activity.
Dr. Ismail said that PTA will peruse on reversal of this rule after the end of SIM-Reverification campaign.
