The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised citizens to ensure that mobile SIM cards registered in the names of deceased individuals are either transferred to eligible legal heirs or deactivated through the official Change of Ownership (COO) process.
According to the regulator, the measure is aimed at preventing the misuse of mobile connections and ensuring the lawful and secure use of telecommunications services across the country.
PTA stated that ownership of a SIM can only be transferred to eligible legal heirs, including spouses and close blood relatives. To initiate the transfer process, family members must visit the nearest customer service center or authorized franchise of their respective mobile network operator.
The authority has outlined four key documents required for ownership transfer: a Family Registration Certificate (FRC), the death certificate of the deceased subscriber, the original SIM card, and proof of SIM usage. These documents help verify legal entitlement and establish rightful ownership of the mobile connection.
PTA emphasized that updating subscriber records after a person’s death is essential for maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s telecom ecosystem. The regulator warned that SIMs registered to deceased individuals may become vulnerable to unauthorized use if they remain active and unclaimed.
The advisory forms part of PTA’s broader efforts to strengthen digital security, improve regulatory compliance, and promote responsible use of telecommunications services nationwide.
Citizens seeking assistance regarding SIM transfer or deactivation procedures have been encouraged to contact their mobile operators, visit official PTA platforms, or use the PTA Digital Assistant service for guidance.
