On November 14, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Peshawar and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing conducted raids targeting networks illegally issuing SIM cards. The operations occurred in telecom franchises across various regions, including Barakahu, Islamabad, and Shinkiari in District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to address SIM misuse.

In Barakahu, Islamabad, a raid on a telecom franchise revealed unauthorized SIM issuance involving underprivileged women from Orakzai Agency. Authorities confiscated six Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, eight activated SIMs, 200 suspected SIMs, two computers, digital fingerprint records, several Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), and six mobile phones. Three individuals were arrested, and an FIR was lodged.

Simultaneously, in Shinkiari, District Mansehra, officials uncovered similar illicit activities. They seized seven BVS devices, one activated SIM, 300 suspected SIMs, a tampered BVS device, multiple CNICs, and three mobile phones. One suspect was arrested, and an FIR was registered.

On November 12, PTA’s Zonal Office in Sukkur and FIA’s Cyber Crime Circle carried out another raid at a Jazz franchise in Mehrabpur, Naushahro Feroze. This time, 11 active SIMs were seized. An FIR named the franchise owner as a suspect.

PTA has implemented an advanced monitoring system to detect and analyze unusual patterns in SIM activation, intervene rapidly, and identify suspicious activities.

Additionally, on September 3, PTA issued a warning stating that users without renewing their CNICs risk losing access to their mobile services, as their SIMs will be automatically suspended.