The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has instructed all Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to suspend the sale of SIM cards nationwide between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
According to the official directive, all authorized SIM sales channels — including franchises and retail outlets — must strictly follow the prescribed operating hours without exception.
PTA said the decision has been taken to strengthen oversight of SIM issuance and reduce the risk of fraudulent or unauthorized mobile connections.
The authority warned that any violation of these instructions will result in strict regulatory and legal action under relevant telecom laws.
It further directed operators and retailers to ensure full compliance with the new rules and maintain proper verification procedures during SIM issuance.
Citizens have been advised to purchase SIM cards only from authorized outlets during permitted hours and to complete mandatory biometric verification before activation, in line with national telecom security requirements.
PTA also encouraged the public to report any violations through its Complaint Management System (CMS), the PTA mobile app, WhatsApp Digital Assistant at 0315-0055055, or the toll-free helpline 0800-55055.
