In a major move to tighten security expired ensure digital accountability, the federal government has launched a phased operation to block more than 4.9 million mobile phone SIMs issued against expired or canceled Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
The directive came from the Ministry of Interior following recommendations from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and is being implemented by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
According to official data, a total of 4,906,611 SIMs are registered under CNICs that have either not been renewed or belong to deceased individuals.
These SIMs will be systematically deactivated in phases, depending on the year the CNIC expired. The move aims to prevent the potential misuse of mobile networks through fake or inactive identities, a step seen as critical to bolstering national security.
The first phase of the operation will target SIMs linked to CNICs that expired in 2017, which will be blocked by June 30, 2025. SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in 2018 will be deactivated by July 31, while those linked to 2019 CNICs will be blocked by August 31.
The process will continue monthly, with SIMs associated with CNICs expiring in 2020, 2021, and 2022 being blocked by September 30, October 31, and November 30 respectively.
In the final stage, all mobile SIMs issued on CNICs that expired in 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be blocked by December 31, 2025. This timeline provides users ample opportunity to renew their CNICs and avoid any disruption in mobile service. The Ministry of Interior has urged citizens to verify and update their identity records in a timely manner.
Authorities say the campaign will play a vital role in securing Pakistan’s digital ecosystem by reducing identity fraud and ensuring only verified users have access to telecommunication services. The public has been advised to promptly renew expired CNICs to avoid inconvenience and ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity.
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