How to Check the Number of SIMs Registered On Your CNIC

• PTA has a specific limit for SIMs issued under an individual’s name.
• Individuals can check SIM card counts linked to their CNIC through the PTA website or SMS service.
• To identify the family member registered to an older SIM card, follow a simple process.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) permits a specific limit for SIMs issued under an individual’s name. As a result, numerous individuals seek methods to verify the quantity of SIMs registered against their CNIC number.

For those uninformed, there was a surge in the distribution of SIM cards during the early 2000s, attributed to reduced prices and enhanced accessibility offered by major telecom companies such as Ufone and Jazz (previously known as Mobilink).

Nonetheless, the ease of obtaining SIM cards also posed several challenges, as they were exploited for terrorism and other illicit activities. To address this concern, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) implemented a SIM Information System in 2009, which maintained digital records of all subscribers.

This new system also enabled individuals to verify the quantity of SIM cards issued under their name and their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). Additionally, the telecom regulator imposed a restriction on the maximum number of SIMs that could be issued to an individual.

How many SIMs can be registered against one CNIC?

To curb illegal activities and fraud, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) restricts the issuance of SIMs to just five (5) per CNIC, a measure implemented due to the prevalence of such activities during the early 2000s.

How do I check the number of SIMs issued on my CNIC?

You can verify the number of SIMs issued under your CNIC or name through two methods: the PTA website and SMS service, detailed below.

Through the PTA Website

• Visit the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) website: https://cnic.sims.pk/.
• Enter your CNIC number in the provided field.
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• Verify that you are not a robot.
• Click on the “Submit” button.
• You will be shown the total number of SIMs issued against your CNIC.

Through SMS

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• Go to the Write Message option on your phone.
• Type your CNIC number without any hyphens (-).
• Send the SMS to 668 (Rs. 2+Tax Applies).
• You will receive a reply showing the number of SIMs issued against your CNIC.

How to Check the Number of SIMs Registered On Your CNIC

How do I check the name of a SIM owner?

If you have an older SIM card on your device and wish to ascertain the name of the family member to whom it is registered, you can do so through a simple process, outlined below:

• Open the write message option on your phone.
• Send a blank message to 667.
• You will receive a message in response telling you the owner of the SIM card being used.
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How do I cancel a SIM registered against your CNIC?

If there is an unfamiliar SIM registered under your CNIC or if you wish to deactivate your own number, you can accomplish this by visiting the nearest franchise of the telecom operator with your original CNIC card.

What is SIM cloning, and why is it dangerous?

SIM cloning may seem complex, but it’s a concept we should all understand. Essentially, it involves someone copying the identifying data from our phone’s SIM card without our consent.

This presents a significant danger as it grants unauthorized access to our phone network, enabling individuals to intercept our calls, access our messages, and potentially engage in other malicious acts. It’s akin to someone creating a duplicate key to our house without our permission.

To ensure our privacy and security, it’s vital to stay alert for any unusual activity on our phones and report it immediately. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can safeguard ourselves against the threats posed by SIM cloning.

What has PTA done to combat the illegal issuance of SIM cards?

The implementation of a biometric verification system (BVS) by PTA was a significant move in combating illegal SIM issuance, enhancing the security and safety of telecom users nationwide. This system effectively curtails unauthorized SIM issuance, as each SIM card must undergo biometric verification before activation.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is actively monitoring and conducting raids to apprehend individuals engaged in the unlawful distribution of SIM cards nationwide. Additionally, the regulator has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the issuance of fresh SIM cards.

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It’s important to regularly verify the number of SIMs registered under your CNIC to ensure that no unauthorized numbers are operating under your name and engaging in illicit activities. While occurrences of such incidents are rare, it’s advisable to remain vigilant.

Additionally, it’s imperative to ensure that your SIM card is registered under your own name, as utilizing a mobile number issued in someone else’s name is illegal and subject to legal repercussions.