Pakistan to block 4.9 million mobile SIM cards

Pakistan has decided to block 4.9 million mobile SIM cards, which were issued against expired national identity cards.

Taking action on NADRA’s application, the Interior Ministry has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to begin the crackdown.

Mobile SIM cards issued against expired or cancelled computerized national identity cards will be blocked in phases. SIM cards issued against CNICS, which expired in 2017, will be blocked by June 30, 2025 and SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2018, will be blocked by July 31, 2025.

SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2019, will be blocked by August 31, 2025 and SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2019, will be blocked by August 31, 2025.

SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2019, will be blocked by August 31, 2025 and SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2020, will be blocked by September 30, 2025. SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2021, will be blocked by October 31, 2025.

SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2022, will be blocked by November 30, 2025 and SIM cards issued against CNICs, which expired in 2023, 2024 and 2025, will be blocked by December 31, 2025.