Islamabad: The ongoing campaign by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) against unverified SIMs has caught the attention of millions of mobile users, as the agency has warned that WhatsApp accounts used on such SIMs may be blocked or restricted in the future.
According to officials, all mobile numbers that lack biometric verification, are registered on expired identity cards or are being used in the name of another person may be blocked in a phased manner. Experts say that if the relevant SIM is blocked, users may face difficulties in regaining access to their WhatsApp account.
According to the PTA, mobile numbers are no longer limited to just calling or messaging but are playing a fundamental identity role in several important areas such as banking, social media, e-commerce and digital verification. This is why the government is taking strict steps to eliminate illegal or unregistered SIMs.
According to telecom experts, many people are still using SIMs that are not registered in their name. In some cases, SIMs taken in the name of another family member have been in use for years. However, after the new policy, such users are being advised to immediately verify their mobile numbers.
Concerns about WhatsApp accounts have also increased because the associated mobile number is considered very important for restoring a WhatsApp account worldwide. If the SIM is permanently blocked, the user may lose access to his account, especially if two-step verification is not enabled.
Cybersecurity experts say that unverified SIMs increase the chances of being used in fraud, fake calls, online scams and illegal activities. The government’s recent policy aims to reduce such risks and make the mobile network more secure.
The PTA has instructed users to immediately check the ownership of their mobile numbers. For this purpose, citizens can approach the franchise centre or biometric verification centres of the respective mobile company. If a SIM is registered in someone else’s name, it will be necessary to transfer it to your name.
According to experts, mobile number verification will become more important in the future as the government is linking various digital services to NADRA and mobile verification systems. In such a situation, the use of unregistered or suspicious SIMs can not only create legal problems but also pose a threat to the digital security of users.
On the other hand, there is a discussion on this issue on social media. Many users have expressed fears that if their old SIM becomes inactive, years-old WhatsApp data may be lost. However, experts say that timely SIM verification and account backup can avoid these problems.
Officials say that this step is being taken only to improve security and transparency, and its aim is not to put ordinary users in trouble but to eliminate illegal activities.
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