The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that a social media advisory claiming mobile phones using more than five SIM cards in a month would have their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) blocked was false. The misleading post, incorrectly attributed to the PTA and featuring its logo, has led to confusion among users.
The viral advisory incorrectly stated that phones using more than five SIM cards would be blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). However, PTA’s Director of Communications, Zaib-un-Nisa, released a statement denying the existence of such a policy. She explained that the PTA does not monitor SIM usage on a per-device basis. Instead, the authority focuses on issues like IMEI duplication and device cloning, as these pose significant security risks to consumers. The misleading notice has been flagged on the PTA’s verified social media accounts.
غیر قانونی یا پاکستان ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن اتھارٹی (پی ٹی اے) سے غیر منظور شدہ موبائل فونز “ڈیوائس آئیڈینٹیفکیشن، رجسٹریشن اور بلاکنگ سسٹم ” (ڈی آئی آر بی ایس) کے تحت خودکار طور پر بند کر دیے جاتے ہیں۔
پی ٹی اے نے فراڈ، اسمگلنگ اور دیگر غیر قانونی سرگرمیوں کی روک تھام کے لیے “ڈیوائس… pic.twitter.com/Day3NJlcNW
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) August 30, 2025PTA’s Response and Actions
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that it has not imposed any restrictions on the number of SIM cards that can be used in a single device. Zaib-un-Nisa described a recent advisory as “completely fake” and encouraged users to verify information using official channels. Furthermore, the PTA is actively fighting mobile fraud by blocking suspicious devices and collaborating with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct raids. The authority also runs awareness campaigns to educate the public about digital safety.
In order to enhance the efficiency and management of the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), PTA has offloaded old IMEl records of mobile devices.This step has been undertaken to streamline overall system performance.
The said activity will assist… pic.twitter.com/3q5zkeIjbG
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) August 30, 2025The circulation of this fake advisory underscores the escalating issue of misinformation in Pakistan’s digital landscape. With more than 90 million internet users projected by 2025, false information can spread quickly, leading to panic. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) prompt response is part of its broader efforts to ensure secure digital services.
The incident underscores the importance of verifying facts before sharing content online. The PTA advises users to rely solely on its official website and verified social media accounts for accurate updates. This practice helps to combat misinformation, particularly as social media scams have risen by 15% in Pakistan since 2024.
