ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecommunications regulator on Thursday warned cellphone users to ensure their SIM cards are registered in their own names and used responsibly, saying registered owners would be held accountable for any misuse.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PAT) said using SIMs registered to another person violates regulations and could trigger enforcement action, as authorities seek to ensure accountability across the country’s telecom network.
“All SIMs must be registered in the user’s own name,” the PTA said in a statement. “The use of SIMs registered in another individual’s name is considered a violation of applicable regulations, and any misuse of a SIM shall be the sole responsibility of the registered user.”
The regulator said users would be individually accountable for all calls, messages and data usage made through their SIMs or devices.
Such SIM registration requirements are widely followed internationally as part of efforts by regulators to strengthen accountability and security within telecommunications systems.
The advisory comes amid recent complaints by businesses in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, about receiving threatening phone calls linked to extortion demands, according to local business groups.
“PTA urges all telecom consumers to adopt responsible conduct and play an active and effective role in safeguarding the security, stability, and reliability of Pakistan’s telecommunications system,” the statement said.
