PTA decides to apply Rs 200 SIM disowning charge with the start of new year 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday announced that starting from January 1, 2024, Cellular Mobile Operators in Pakistan, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) may levy a SIM Disowning Charge up to Rs. 200 on SIMs with a retention period of less than six months.

According to PTA, to assess the status of registered SIMs, consumers can utilize various methods, including visiting https://cnic.sims.pk/ or sending an SMS with their CNIC number (without dashes) to 668 (standard charges apply). Moreover, all consumers are advised to disown or return unnecessary SIMs, free of charge, latest by December 31, 2023. By doing so, consumers can avoid SIM disowning charge and contribute towards responsible usage of SIMs.

A one-time waiver against the SIM disowning charge will be granted in cases of illegal SIM issuance without the knowledge or consent of the consumer, said PTA.

It is worth mentioning that with this decision, the PTA has reinforced its commitment to the national safety and security while ensuring the uninterrupted provision of quality services to all telecom consumers. Similarly, the implementation of the SIM disowning charge is aimed at encouraging users to responsibly manage their SIM cards, fostering a more secure and efficient telecom environment in Pakistan and its adjoining regions. Furthermore, as the new policy takes effect at the beginning of the upcoming year, consumers are urged to take prompt action to disown unnecessary SIMs to avoid incurring additional charges and contribute to the collective effort towards responsible SIM card usage.