• The waiting period for buying new SIMs has been extended up to 7 days.
• The change applies to all mobile operators and retailers.
• Buying multiple SIMs in close succession gets harder.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has made substantial changes to its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the sale and activation of mobile SIM cards in response to the increase in illicit activities. The official notification from PTA announces a notable adjustment, increasing the interval between new SIM sale sessions from 8 hours to a significant 7 days. These revised SOPs will be in effect starting Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

The modification to Clause 5(j) of the procedures for selling and activating SIM cards through biometric verification will have an impact on all telecommunication operators. This includes customer service centers, franchisees, registered retailers, and temporary outlets. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will incorporate this check into their system.

The PTA has highlighted the existing 8-hour gap between sessions at NADRA. In an effort to enhance system efficiency, the regulatory body has decided to extend the interval between consecutive new SIM sale sessions to 7 days. According to the updated SOPs, the sale and activation of a new SIM will now take place after a 7-day gap, while processes for duplicate SIMs and Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be concluded within an 8-hour timeframe.

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The PTA made these changes to tackle the unauthorized issuance of SIM cards through deceptive methods, particularly focusing on counterfeit thumb impressions. Although the activation of the initial new SIM remains at 8 hours, obtaining and activating a second new SIM now involves a 7-day interval. This strategic approach is intended to discourage those engaged in the illicit issuance of SIM cards using false thumb impressions, addressing a vital security issue in the mobile telecommunications sector.