The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday warned mobile phone users to ensure that all SIM cards in their possession are registered in their own names, stressing that registered owners will be held responsible for any illegal use.
Read More: PTA enforces mandatory SIM registration for users
In a statement, the telecom regulator said that using SIMs registered in another person’s name violates applicable regulations. It added that any misuse of a SIM card, including involvement in unlawful activities, would be the sole responsibility of the individual in whose name the SIM is registered.
The PTA emphasised that telecom consumers must exercise responsible behaviour in the use of their SIMs and mobile connections. According to the authority, users are individually accountable for all calls, messages and data usage carried out through their SIM cards or devices, regardless of who is actually using them.
Keep your SIM registered in your own name, your SIM is your responsibility.#YourSIMYourResponsibility #SIMSafety #StaySecure #DigitalAwareness #CyberSafe #FraudPrevention #SecurePakistan pic.twitter.com/HcSx1JufAS
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) December 26, 2025
The regulator reminded consumers that compliance with all relevant rules and regulations is mandatory. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in enforcement action, including penalties or disconnection, in cases where violations are detected.
The warning comes against the backdrop of a rise in mobile-based financial fraud, cybercrime and harassment cases. Officials said such incidents place a heavy burden on complaint and redress mechanisms, particularly because investigations often reveal that registered SIM owners were not directly involved in the illegal activities carried out using their numbers.
Pakistan has issued around 196 million SIM cards for a population of over 250 million, indicating that many individuals hold multiple SIMs registered under their names. This situation, the PTA noted, increases the risk of misuse when SIMs are shared or handed over to others without proper verification.
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Under existing PTA regulations, a maximum of five voice SIMs and three data SIMs can be registered against a single Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) for personal use.
The authority urged telecom consumers to play an active role in protecting the security, stability and reliability of the country’s telecommunications system by ensuring responsible SIM ownership and usage.