The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong warning to citizens about the growing sale of free SIM cards by unauthorized vendors across major cities. According to officials, these SIMs are being distributed in crowded marketplaces, bus stands, and shopping areas under the promise of “free unlimited calls and internet.”
PTA stated that these offers are fraudulent and illegal, as only licensed retailers are permitted to sell SIM cards after proper biometric verification. The unauthorized sale of SIMs not only violates telecommunication regulations but also poses serious risks to public data and national security.
Street vendors have reportedly been targeting passersby by offering free packages and on-the-spot activations without any documentation. Authorities fear that these SIMs could be misused for illegal activities, including identity theft, financial scams, and cybercrime.
The regulator has urged telecom companies to take strict action against such unauthorized distributors and ensure that their retail networks comply with PTA’s biometric registration system. It has also advised the public to avoid purchasing SIMs from unverified sources and to report any suspicious activity through PTA’s official helpline or website.
Cybersecurity experts have welcomed PTA’s warning, stressing that unregistered SIMs can easily be exploited for criminal purposes. They recommend that users always verify the legitimacy of a vendor before sharing personal information or fingerprints for biometric verification.
This development comes as authorities increase their crackdown on illegal SIM operations and telecom fraud across Pakistan. In recent months, law enforcement agencies have traced several cases of online scams and blackmail to unregistered numbers.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government’s Hunarmand Jawan initiative continues to expand, offering digital literacy and skill-based training to youth. The program’s progress reflects growing efforts to promote safe and responsible technology use among citizens — a goal that aligns with PTA’s latest warning.
The PTA reiterated that citizens should only buy SIM cards from authorized outlets and avoid offers that sound “too good to be true.” It added that protecting one’s digital identity is essential in an age of increasing cyber risks and online fraud.
