ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to deactivate more than 4.9 million mobile phone SIMs that were issued on expired, cancelled, impounded, or deceased persons’ Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), a move aimed at enhancing national security and curbing misuse of mobile networks.
Acting on the recommendation of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Ministry of Interior has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to begin the deactivation process in phases, starting later this month.
According to a letter issued by the Ministry of Interior to the PTA, NADRA has provided comprehensive data identifying such CNICs along with a schedule for the blocking of associated mobile SIMs, according to a statement issued by NADRA.
It says that the process will commence on June 30, 2025, with the deactivation of SIMs registered against CNICs that expired in 2017. In the subsequent months, SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2018 will be deactivated on July 31, 2025, followed by SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2019 on August 31, 2025.
It says that the process will continue with the deactivation of SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in 2020 on September 30, 2025, those expired in 2021 on October 31, 2025, and those expired in 2022 on November 30, 2025. In the final phase, mobile SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be deactivated on December 31, 2025.
According to the data shared by NADRA, a total of 4,906,611 such CNICs have been identified. These identity cards have not been reviewed nor have their holders been officially reported as deceased. The deactivation of mobile SIMs linked to these identity cards is being carried out to enhance national security, prevent the potential misuse of mobile networks through inactive or fraudulent identities and ensure the safety and integrity of the country’s digital ecosystem.
It says citizens should renew their CNICs in a timely manner to avoid any disruption to their mobile services and to ensure their continued inclusion in the national identity system.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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