01 December 2023

Pakistan’s telecoms regulator has enabled operators to begin charging a SIM termination charge in January 2024 to ease the abuse of free SIM cards and combat the use of illegal activities on networks.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that the ‘SIM disowning charge’ will apply to SIM cards that have not been retained for over six months and operators can charge customers up to PKR200 (US$0.70). Subscribers are encouraged to return ‘unnecessary’ SIM cards free of charge before 31 December.

“With this decision, the PTA stays committed to national safety and security while ensuring uninterrupted quality services to all telecom consumers,” said the PTA in a statement.