Discover the step-by-step guide for checking the number of SIMs issued against your CNIC and more…
In the year 2000, cellular phones began to gain widespread use among the people of Pakistan. The drop in prices and easy availability made cell phones accessible to the general public, leading to a significant increase in the number of cellular subscribers in the following years.
This surge in cell phone usage also brought with it the misuse of technology for illegal activities and terrorist attacks, often involving unregistered SIM cards.
To address these issues, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) introduced an advanced SIM Information System in 2009. This system was developed to maintain a digital record of SIM card subscribers. It allows users to check the number of active SIM cards registered under their CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
If you are unaware of the number of SIMs issued against your CNIC or need to verify or block any of them, please continue reading to find out how.
How many SIMs can be registered against one CNIC?
One must recognize that there is a restriction on the quantity of SIM cards that can be linked to a single CNIC. According to PTA regulations, an individual is allowed to have a maximum of 5 SIM cards registered under their name simultaneously.
If you currently possess 5 SIM cards registered under your CNIC and wish to acquire another one, you must take the necessary steps to deactivate a SIM card that is no longer in use. This action is essential to uphold the limit of 5 active SIMs.
How to check the number of SIMs issued against your CNIC?
If you are not aware of the active SIM cards issued against your CNIC, it is important that you get that information as soon as possible.
There are two easy ways you can do that:
Through SMS
To find out the number of SIMs registered against your CNIC via SMS, here is a short guide:
- Launch the messaging app on your phone.
- Enter your CNIC number without including any hyphens.
- Send this message to 668.
- You will shortly receive a text message response, displaying the total count of active SIM cards issued under each operator for your CNIC.
- Please be aware that for each SMS sent to 668, you will incur a charge of PKR 2 plus applicable taxes.
If you discover that there are more SIM cards registered under your CNIC than you are currently using, it is imperative that you reach out to the Customer Service Centre of the relevant mobile operator.
Through Website
- To verify the quantity of active SIM cards registered under your name, access the PTA SIM Information Website.
- Click on the provided link to open a webpage that prompts you to input your details.
- Input your CNIC number into the designated field.
- Confirm that you are not a robot by checking the box and then click ‘Submit.’
- A tabulated list will display all the registered SIM cards linked to your CNIC.
- The list categorizes the SIM cards by operator and provides the total count of SIMs registered under your CNIC.
What is SIM Cloning and why should you be aware of it?
SIM cloning refers to the procedure of replicating a SIM card by transferring the identifying data from a cloned SIM to a different SIM card. Once this process is completed, the cloned SIM card can be utilized by another individual in a separate mobile device, retaining all the data and charges associated with the original SIM card.
Criminals frequently employ SIM cloning as a common method to engage in unlawful activities, making calls under someone else’s identity. If you receive a call from your number that you did not initiate, it is essential to take immediate action. Contact the relevant cellular provider and file a complaint to deactivate the illegally operational SIM card.
PTA Biometric Verification System
The PTA Biometric Verification System, or BVS for short, is a major step by PTA to monitor the safety of cellular subscribers and put an end to the illegal use of mobile phone connections. Through this system you can easily:
- Duplicate a SIM card
- Purchase or activate a new SIM card
- Transfer ownership of a SIM card previously registered under another person’s CNIC
- Complete the re-verification process for your SIM card
- Address concerns related to mobile number portability
How to get your SIM card’s biometric verification?
To ensure your registered SIM card remains unblocked, it’s essential to confirm whether you are using a SIM card that PTA acknowledges. To obtain a biometrically verified SIM, you should initiate the process by verifying if the SIM card is registered under your name or not.
How to check the name of the SIM owner?
To find out the name of the SIM owner, you should follow these easy steps:
- Open the text message application from your phone.
- Send a blank message to 667.
- You will soon receive a reply text message that shows the name of the SIM owner that the message has been sent from.
How to block a SIM card registered against your CNIC?
If you wish to deactivate a mobile SIM card that you no longer use, it’s advisable to have it blocked to relieve yourself of responsibility for that number linked to your CNIC. Here’s what you should do:
- Visit the nearest franchise or customer support office of the relevant mobile operator.
- Present your original CNIC and complete a corresponding form, which will promptly deactivate the desired number.
It’s crucial to remember that using illegal or unregistered SIM cards is a punishable offense and carries its own set of consequences. If you are presently using an unregistered SIM card or a SIM card registered under someone else’s name, it’s imperative to address this issue promptly to avoid getting involved in unlawful activities. You can also verify by checking CNIC number with mobile number.
