PTA suspends midnight SIM sales nationwide

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suspended midnight SIM sales across Pakistan from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM to strengthen compliance and curb illegal issuance, directing operators and retailers to follow strict timings nationwide from today immediately now.

The decision has been taken by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority as part of its ongoing efforts to regulate SIM issuance and prevent misuse of mobile connections.

According to the official directives, all Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs), including franchises and retail outlets, have been instructed to suspend SIM sales during late-night hours across the country.

The PTA said, “All authorized SIM sale channels, particularly franchisees and retailers, are bound to comply with the prescribed timings.”

It further warned that violations of the order will result in strict legal and regulatory action under applicable telecom laws and regulations.

The authority also emphasized consumer protection and said citizens must ensure that SIMs are purchased only from authorized outlets during permitted hours with complete biometric verification before activation.

PTA advised the public to report any violations through its Complaint Management System (CMS), PTA CMS App, Digital Assistant via WhatsApp (0315-0055055), or the toll-free helpline 0800-55055.

Industry sources said that the move is aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, preventing illegal SIM issuance, and ensuring a more secure and transparent telecom ecosystem in Pakistan.