PTA and FIA Crack Down on Illegal SIM Issuance in Pakistan

Islamabad, In a coordinated effort to curb illegal SIM activations, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office in Peshawar, alongside the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, conducted targeted raids in Mingora, Barikot, and Batkhela. These operations led to the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of numerous devices used in the unlawful activities.

According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the operations targeted a mobile phone company franchise and a gang engaged in the illegal issuance of SIM cards. These SIMs were reportedly used in grey trafficking and various fraudulent schemes. During the raids, authorities confiscated 33 biometric verification system (BVS) devices, 6 laptops, 10 mobile phones, and 600 SIM cards as evidence. The PTA had previously lodged complaints with the FIA, prompting these actions based on intelligence about illegal activities conducted through sales channels.

The arrests and seizures underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to eliminating illegal telecommunications activities, ensuring compliance with national regulations, and protecting citizens from related criminal activities.