SIMs: security concerns

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

AS a law-abiding citizen, I checked up using the 668 SMS facility, about the number of SIMs on my name. I was shocked to discover that there were two extra SIMs than the ones I actually have.

These extra SIMs had been discontinued and disconnected some five to six years ago by me. I contacted the cellular service provider which told me that I can tell them which numbers I am using and they will keep them active.

My question is: when a number has been disconnected by me five to six years ago, why are they still in my name in Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) records?

Why don’t, after a certain period of time, the cellular operators release the number from our name? What if somebody uses the SIM card which is in my name? In this case, I will have no clue about it.

I demand to know that when there is so much hue and cry about crackdown on illegal SIMS (as a vital part of anti-crime effort), why are the cellular service providers not doing anything about this pending work they were supposed to do years ago? Why is the PTA not able to play its role?

ESSA JAN ALLAWALA
Karachi

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Khanm

Sep 27, 2013 10:31am

Bhai you are worried about the security of your sim. Do you see any security around you. Tell me is your property secured,your kids, are you secured. Why are you loosing your sleep over it.

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Ahmed

Sep 27, 2013 02:15pm

A year ago, I also discovered a SIM in my name. Since living abroad, I e-mailed the concerned service provider to let them know that the number may be misused. Their customer service replied to download the complaint form and mail it to them after filling of complete information along with scanned images of my NICOP/CNIC and passport displaying valid visa. Now the question is that why anyone would send the copy of their valid visa to a private cellular company. Does the visa concern them. Do they have the slightest knowledge of personal data protection and its importance. There is always a threat of passing information to a third party especially in a country where human-trafficking is common and fake travel agents smuggle people abroad using genuine document numbers to trick the electronic system. I never sent my visa due to the fear mentioned above and the Cellular company also never tried to contact me, though knowing well, I have genuine concern relevant to national security

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