ISLAMABAD, July 29, 2024 – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has conducted a major operation against illegal SIM card distributors in five cities across the country. The raids, carried out by PTA Zonal Offices in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, targeted franchisees of major telecom operators Telenor, Jazz, Ufone, and CMPak.
The crackdown focused on Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Kot Momin, Kohat, and Hangu, where franchisees were allegedly involved in the unlawful issuance of SIM cards. Such illegal activities are often linked to criminal operations, including fraud and identity theft.
Read More: Pakistan Rice Exports Face Uncertainty Amid Global Shifts
During the raids, authorities confiscated significant evidence:
- 4 laptops
- 1 PC
- 12 BVS devices
- Multiple active SIMs
- Mobile phones
- Hard drives
- Original CNICs with photocopies
- Soft copies of Afghan passports and POR cards
Law enforcement arrested 15 individuals working for the franchisees on the spot. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered First Information Reports (FIRs) and is conducting further investigations into the cases.
The PTA had previously filed complaints with the FIA based on intelligence about the illegal SIM distribution through these sales channels. This operation underscores the PTA’s commitment to eliminating unauthorized SIM card issuance in Pakistan.
The widespread nature of this operation, spanning multiple cities and involving several major telecom operators, highlights the scale of the issue. As investigations continue, authorities expect to uncover more details about the extent of this illegal network and its potential impact on national security and public safety.
Winston Mall: please contact +92-0309-8889733 or visit https://thewinstonmall.com/
