The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reminded mobile phone users that timely renewal of National Identity Card (CNIC) is not only a legal requirement but also essential for the continuous use of mobile services.
According to the PTA, if a user’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) expires, is declared inactive in NADRA’s records or is cancelled for any reason, then the mobile SIMs registered on that CNIC can be deactivated as per the rules and regulations.
The authority says that mobile companies are allowed to keep active only those SIMs that are linked to valid and verifiable identity documents. Therefore, users should check the status of their CNIC regularly.
The PTA has advised citizens that if their CNIC requires renewal, they should approach the nearest NADRA registration center as soon as possible so that they do not face any disruption in mobile service later.
The authority also clarified that just renewing the identity card is not enough, but after that, users must also register their updated information in the records of the relevant mobile operator so that the SIM registration details can be consistent with the NADRA data.
According to experts, registered mobile SIMs with correct identity information are not only important for the convenience of users but also play an important role in cybersecurity, the prevention of fraud and the strengthening of the national digital registration system.
PTA has appealed to citizens to renew their identity documents on time and ensure the accuracy of the records so that suspension of mobile service or other administrative problems can be avoided in the future.