The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), has made significant progress in its ongoing crackdown on the illegal issuance of SIM cards.
In a recent operation, authorities raided a private telecom franchise in Arifwala, Sahiwal, arresting two individuals linked to this unlawful activity.
The PTA Lahore Zonal Office and FIA Cyber Crime Circle jointly raided a Ufone franchise in Lahore, targeting its role in illegally distributing SIMs. Enforcement teams confiscated 650 paper fingerprints (6,500 impressions), 1,500 digital fingerprints (15,000 impressions), 12 silicone thumb/finger sets, 105 active SIMs, three Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, a scanner, and a laptop.
Read: PTA to Suspend SIMs Linked to Expired CNICs, Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Content
Authorities arrested the franchise owner during the raid and detained a fingerprint supplier in Bahawalnagar. The FIA filed an FIR and continues investigating these violations.
The PTA leads a broader campaign to curb misuse of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS). This raid follows a Sahiwal operation, reinforcing efforts to eliminate illegal SIM issuance and uphold telecom integrity across Pakistan.
The FIA revealed that criminals exploit UK-based SIMs for serious offences like child pornography, kidnapping, and financial fraud. FIA Cybercrime Wing’s Additional Director General, Waqaruddin Syed, announced a nationwide operation, arresting 44 suspects in cities like Rawalpindi and Peshawar, recovering 8,363 illegal SIMs, and registering 21 cases.
