PTA increases the waiting period for ‘New SIM Only’ to seven days

ISLAMABAD: Private news channel reported on Tuesday that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revised its standard operating procedure (SOP). Extending the waiting period for acquiring a new SIM from eight hours to seven days.

The PTA issued this clarification in response to misconceptions about its letter. Titled ‘Increasing Buffer between New SIM Sale Sessions from 8 hours to 7 days,’ which was released on January 18.

Currently, there is an eight-hour interval between successive NADRA biometric verifications for SIM-related transactions. This period extended to seven days only for new SIM cards.

The purpose behind this adjustment is to thwart the tactics employed by fraudulent groups. Who swiftly activate multiple illegal SIMs for deceptive activities under the guise of consumer surveys. NGOs, and free ration schemes targeting unsuspecting citizens, the PTA explained.

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The telecommunications authority further clarified that. The initial issuance of a new SIM can carried out immediately upon the presentation of a CNIC through biometric verification. However, for any subsequent new SIMs on the same CNIC. The subscriber will need to wait for seven days for biometric verification by NADRA.

PTA emphasised that this amendment in SOP does not impact the activation of duplicate SIMs or other SIM-related transactions. Including changes of ownership and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

The SOP amendment set to take effect from January 24. And is part of the regulatory measures implemented to safeguard against unauthorised or fraudulent issuance of SIM cards.