The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned that SIMs linked to cancelled, expired CNICs, or those registered under deceased individuals, may be blocked.
In a statement, the PTA emphasised the importance of seamless mobile connectivity for all telecom users.The telecom authority advised cellular mobile users to ensure that their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) remain valid and up to date.
Users have been urged to renew expired CNICs without delay, resolve any cancellation issues with Nadra, and ensure that no SIM is registered against the CNIC of a deceased person to avoid service disruption.
The PTA said the initiative reflects its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests while promoting a secure, compliant, and reliable telecom ecosystem across the country.
Nadra plans penalties for CNIC renewal delays
The advisory came after the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had cautioned that millions of identity cards and other official documents had expired, urging citizens to ensure timely renewal to avoid disruptions in essential services.In a statement, Nadra issued important guidelines for citizens, stressing the legal obligation to renew identity documents, especially the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), before expiry to avoid disruption of essential services.
Under Pakistani law, Nadra issues identity documents for a specified validity period, and adults are required to ensure timely renewal.
Failure to do so may lead to suspension of services linked with identity verification, including bank accounts, mobile phone SIMs, government subsidies, welfare programmes, and transactions such as property and vehicle transfers.
Despite having the legal authority to impose penalties for delayed renewal, Nadra has so far refrained from doing so to facilitate the public.
However, the authority has noted widespread non-compliance.
According to NADRA data, 27.475m CNICs, 2.309 million Overseas Cards, 11.65 million Child Registration Certificates, and 0.229 million Juvenile Cards have expired and not been renewed in time.
SMS reminders have already been sent, including to parents whose children have turned 18 but have yet to obtain their first CNIC.
The advisory also follows a public notice by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on April 8, requiring mobile users to maintain valid identity documents for uninterrupted service.
SIMs registered against expired or deceased individuals’ CNICs risk being blocked at any time.
Currently, over 8.1 million active SIMs are linked to approximately 4.5 million CNICs that require renewal, while 223,000 cards have expired for more than a decade.
Additionally, 1.5 million SIMs remain registered in the names of deceased persons, and users are advised to transfer them to their own valid CNICs.
Nadra has urged citizens to take immediate action by renewing expired documents and ensuring the issuance of CNICs for individuals who have reached the age of 18. Services are available at registration centres, through the Pak-ID mobile application, and at NADRA e-Sahulat franchises.
The authority cautioned that if renewal trends do not improve, additional fees and penalties may be introduced in the next fiscal year, after June, for those who continue to delay renewal of their identity documents.
