Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor Penalized for SIM Verification Violations
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed cumulative fines of nearly Rs740 million on the country’s four major mobile operators—Jazz, Zong, Telenor Pakistan, and Ufone—for repeatedly violating SIM issuance and biometric verification regulations.
PTA Cracks Down on Unauthorized SIM Issuance, Fines Telcos Rs740 Million
Questions Raised Over Minister’s Claim That 97% of Pakistan Uses Broadband
According to the regulator, investigations uncovered multiple cases of unauthorized SIM activations using citizens’ CNICs without their knowledge or consent. PTA said the operators failed to adequately monitor their franchise networks, biometric verification systems, and mandatory subscriber verification processes, increasing the risk of identity theft, cybercrime, and financial fraud.
The authority directed all operators to pay the penalties within the prescribed period, warning that further legal action will be taken in case of non-compliance. PTA also stressed the need for stronger oversight, including the effective implementation of Live Finger Detection (LFD) technology and geofencing measures to prevent illegal SIM issuance.
