The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new initiative to help overseas Pakistanis secure their mobile SIM cards and prevent them from being blocked during extended stays abroad.
In a statement shared on social media, the regulator said the move reflects its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted telecom services for the Pakistani diaspora. Under the initiative, overseas subscribers can safeguard their SIM cards for a specified period by informing their respective cellular companies and paying the applicable charges.
The facility allows overseas Pakistanis to retain ownership of their mobile numbers, ensuring continued access to telecom services and enabling them to remain connected with family and friends in Pakistan.
For prepaid users, the PTA advised that SIM cards must be used at least once every 180 days to remain active. This can be done by making a call, sending an SMS, or using mobile data within the required timeframe.
Postpaid customers have been instructed to ensure timely payment of monthly line rent and any outstanding dues to avoid suspension of their connections.
Alongside the initiative, the PTA renewed its warning against fake calls and fraudulent UAN numbers. In an awareness message, the authority cautioned that scammers are impersonating government institutions, including the PTA, FIA, and banks.
The regulator clarified that no government organisation ever asks for sensitive information such as one-time passwords, PINs, identity card numbers, or biometric details. Consumers were urged to remain vigilant and verify information only through official government channels.
The PTA also reminded citizens to use only SIM cards registered in their own names, noting that using connections issued on someone else’s identity violates regulations. Registered users remain fully responsible for all calls, messages, and data usage made through their SIMs.
