The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issued a warning to residents regarding the purchase and trade of foreign SIM cards within Pakistan, stating that the practice is unlawful and carries safety hazards.
A public awareness notice released by the regulator explained that acquiring foreign SIMs creates major security dangers because criminals can exploit them for scams and other illegal acts.
Officials stated that bad actors might abuse these foreign SIM connections for fraud, which places purchasers and users at risk of facing legal trouble and security issues.
Citizens received advice from the authority to stay safe by refusing to buy or sell foreign SIM cards, relying instead on lawfully registered local SIM cards issued under their personal names.
Mobile users were also urged by the regulator to verify proper registration for all connections, emphasizing that responsible use prevents fraud, misuse, and unlawful behavior.