The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken enforcement action against all four major mobile network operators for issuing SIM cards without the consent of national identity card holders.
The regulator imposed a combined fine of Rs. 740 million, holding the companies responsible for serious violations of SIM issuance regulations.
According to the PTA, Zong was fined Rs. 155.6 million for violating SIM issuance rules. Jazz was penalized Rs. 116.7 million for the illegal issuance of SIMs and failure to maintain adequate oversight. Telenor also received a Rs. 116.7 million fine for breaching SIM registration regulations.
The regulator imposed the largest penalty on Ufone, fining the company more than Rs. 233.4 million for multiple regulatory violations.
In its decisions, the PTA held the mobile operators accountable for serious irregularities in the SIM issuance process and emphasized their responsibility for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
The PTA also clarified that mobile operators will be held liable for violations committed by their franchisees. It said the companies failed to effectively monitor their franchise networks and biometric verification systems, allowing unauthorized SIM registrations to occur.
The authority directed all four mobile operators to pay the fines within the prescribed timeframe, warning that failure to comply would result in further legal action.
The PTA stressed that the illegal issuance of SIM cards can lead to identity theft, cyber fraud and financial crimes, making strict enforcement of SIM registration rules essential for protecting consumers and strengthening national security.
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