The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, seized thousands of illegal pre-activated international SIMs during nationwide raids conducted on Thursday.Â
The operation targeted illegal SIM sales in Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, according to an official statement.
In Multan, authorities conducted five raids, confiscating 7,064 SIMs and arresting eight individuals. In Lahore and Gujranwala, 252 illegal SIMs were seized, leading to the arrest of two shop owners.Â
In Rawalpindi, officials recovered multiple illegal SIMs, including 335 UK SIMs confiscated in recent operations. In Karachi, 10 SIMs were seized, and a shop owner was detained.
The PTA reaffirmed its commitment to combating the illegal SIM trade and urged the public to report such activities via its official website. Authorities emphasized that crackdowns will continue to ensure a secure digital environment and curb the misuse of unauthorized SIMs for fraudulent activities.
