PTA decides to apply a 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 charges and contribute towards responsible
usage of SIMs.
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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 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.