Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has slapped a fine on returning a mobile phone SIM, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to the PTA, consumers return over a million SIMs every month, prompting the Authority to slap a fine of Rs200.
The PTA argued that the step has been taken to stop the frequent change of SIMs, check the SIMs linked to frauds and save foreign exchange.
The PTA also made it clear that the decision will also apply to consumers holding e-SIMs.
In a tweet posted a few days ago, the PTA had said that now from January 1, 2024, the relevant mobile operators are authorized to charge up to Rs200 on the return of mobile SIMs used for a period of less than six months.
The Authority asked the consumers to get blocked their unnecessary mobile SIMs free of charge till 31st December, 2023.
اب یکم جنوری 2024 سے متعلقہ موبائل آپریٹرز چھ ماہ سے کم مدت سے زیر استعمال موبائل سموں کی واپسی پر 200 روپے تک چارجز لگانے کے مجاز ہیں.
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) November 15, 2023
31 دسمبر 2023 تک اپنی غیر ضروری موبائل سمیں بلامعاوضہ بند کروائیں !
مزید جاننے کے لیے ویڈیو ملاحظہ فرمائیں:#SIMDisowningCharge pic.twitter.com/QLMomAy71W