ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned mobile users across the country that if their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is expired, cancelled or inactive in NADRA records, then the mobile SIMs registered on it may be blocked under regulatory rules.
In a public awareness message issued by the PTA, citizens have been urged to check the validity of their CNICs in a timely manner and get them renewed immediately in case of expiry so that mobile phone services can continue uninterrupted.
According to the authority, only those mobile SIMs will be kept active on the network which are registered with valid, active and verifiable National Identity Cards.
The PTA clarified that the SIMs registered in the names of users whose CNICs have been declared ineffective or cancelled in NADRA records can also be blocked in accordance with relevant laws.
The announcement advised citizens to contact the nearest NADRA registration center and complete the renewal of their identity cards in a timely manner to avoid any possible service disruption.
The authority further said that after renewing the identity card, users should also update their new information in the records of the relevant mobile company so that the SIM registration record remains accurate and verified.
According to the PTA, the aim of this move is to ensure the safe and legal use of mobile services, discourage unverified SIMs and protect users from possible service disruptions in the future.
Experts say that keeping identity information updated in a timely manner not only prevents users from having their mobile services affected but also makes the digital security and registration system more effective at the national level.