ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is witnessing a growing crisis as fake and illegally issued SIM cards continue to plague the telecom sector, raising serious concerns for both citizens and national security.
In a high-profile operation, Lahore Zonal Office of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in close coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore, raided Zong franchise in Sheikhupura linked to widespread illegal SIM activations. The action was sparked by shocking complaint from female citizen whose ID Card had been repeatedly exploited to activate SIMs without her knowledge.
Authorities seized two mobile phones, a laptop, five Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, and 150 SIM cards during the raid. The crackdown led to the arrest of two individuals, including the franchise owner and a Zong employee, with an FIR promptly registered as investigations continue.
PTA warned that it will relentlessly pursue illegal SIM operations and prevent BVS misuse, underscoring its commitment to protecting citizens from digital fraud and identity theft.
Several dealers and unscrupulous franchise operators are reportedly exploiting loopholes in Biometric Verification System (BVS), activating thousands of SIMs using stolen or forged CNICs. These illicit SIMs are not only used for financial fraud and mobile banking scams but also serve as tools for criminal and terrorist communications, making law enforcement efforts increasingly challenging.
Victims often discover their identities misused for unauthorized activities only after facing legal or financial consequences, highlighting personal toll of this crime. Authorities, including PTA and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), intensified raids on illegal SIM networks, seizing devices, SIMs, and arresting those involved.
Despite these measures, the persistent scale of the problem underscores the need for stricter franchise monitoring, robust public awareness campaigns, and tighter enforcement to prevent the misuse of citizens’ identities and safeguard national security.
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