Govt to Block Nearly 5 Million SIMs Issued
The Pakistani government plans to block nearly 5 million SIM cards linked to expired or invalid CNICs to enhance national security and prevent fraud. This phased operation, led by the Ministry of Interior, NADRA, and PTA, will run from June to December 2025. Users are advised to update their CNICs and verify their SIMs to avoid disconnection. The initiative aims to improve digital security and reduce illegal activities associated with unverified SIMs.
In a major step toward strengthening national security and enforcing digital accountability, the federal government of Pakistan has officially launched a phased operation to block over 4.9 million mobile SIM cards that were issued using expired, canceled, or deceased individuals’ CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards).
This high-stakes operation is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, following recommendations from NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) and is being carried out with the cooperation of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
š Why Is This Happening?
The government aims to address the growing concern of identity fraud, digital security breaches, and misuse of mobile networks by individuals using unverified or outdated identity documents. According to NADRAās latest report, around 4,906,611 SIMs are currently active but linked to CNICs that are either expired or belong to deceased citizensāposing a serious threat to national security and data integrity.
Such unverified connections can be exploited for illegal activities, including financial scams, identity theft, and even organized crime, as they provide cover through outdated or fake records.
š How the Blocking Process Will Work: Phase-by-Phase Timeline
Rather than abruptly disconnecting millions of users, the government has opted for a phased approach, giving individuals enough time to renew or update their CNICs and maintain their mobile connectivity. The SIMs will be blocked based on the year the CNIC expired, as follows:
CNIC Expiry Year SIM Blocking Deadline
2017 June 30, 2025
2018 July 31, 2025
2019 August 31, 2025
2020 September 30, 2025
2021 October 31, 2025
2022 November 30, 2025
2023ā2025 December 31, 2025
By December 31, 2025, all SIMs issued on CNICs that are not renewed will be permanently deactivated. The process will affect all telecom operators across the country.
š¢ What You Need to Do
The Ministry of Interior and PTA have urged citizens to:
Verify their SIMs using official telecom services (e.g., SIM info services like 668)
Renew expired CNICs immediately at the nearest NADRA registration center
Ensure their biometric verification is up to date to avoid disruption in mobile services
This proactive measure gives users months of advance notice, ensuring that those affected have ample time to comply and avoid inconvenience.
š A Step Toward a Safer Digital Pakistan
Officials believe this campaign will play a key role in cleaning up Pakistanās telecom database, reducing the number of suspicious or ghost SIMs in circulation. It’s part of a broader strategy to secure Pakistanās digital infrastructure, especially as digital banking, mobile wallets, and e-governance services continue to grow.
The government has also encouraged telecom users to spread the word, particularly among elderly or less tech-savvy family members, who might not be aware of the policy or the status of their identity documents.
ā In Summary:
Nearly 5 million SIMs will be blocked in phases from June to December 2025.
Affected SIMs are registered under expired, canceled, or deceased CNICs.
Citizens must renew their CNICs and verify SIMs to keep services running.
The operation aims to prevent misuse, fraud, and enhance digital safety.
This move is being hailed as a necessary reform to ensure that Pakistanās rapidly evolving digital landscape remains secure, accountable, and trustworthy for all citizens.