In the year 2000, cellular phones started becoming common for Pakistan’s citizens—the drop in prices and easy availability led to a rapid increase in cellular subscribers.

However, with this growth came misuse of technology. Many illegal activities and terrorist attacks were linked to unregistered SIMs.

To address these problems, the PTA introduced an advanced SIM Information System in 2009. This system records SIM subscribers’ digital records, allowing users to check the number of active SIMs issued against their CNIC.

If you’re unsure about the number of SIM cards issued against your CNIC or want to verify or block one, keep reading.

How Many SIMs Can Be Registered Against One CNIC?

It’s important to know that, in Pakistan, there’s a limit to the number of SIMs, you can have against your CNIC Number. According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulations, an individual can have a maximum of 5 SIM cards issued in their name at a time.

If you already have 5 SIM cards and want to get another, you must first block one that you no longer use to maintain the limit of 5 SIMs.

How to Check the Number of Active SIMs Issued Against Your CNIC

If you are unaware of the active SIM cards issued against your CNIC, it’s crucial to get that information as soon as possible. Here are two easy ways to do that:

Through the Website:

1. Go to the PTA Website or search PTA SIM Information on Google or Click here to go directly to the Website’s SIM Info Section.
2. Enter your CNIC number in the given field.
3. Verify that you are not a robot by checking the box and then press ‘Submit’ button.
4. You will see a list of registered SIMs against your CNIC in a table format. This table shows the number of SIMs classified by operator and the total number of SIMs registered against your CNIC.

Through SMS:

You can also know the exact number of sims registered on your CNIC through SMS

1. Open the text message application on your phone.
2. Type in your CNIC number without any hyphens.
3. Send this message to 668.
4. You will receive a reply via text message showing the total number of active SIM cards against each operator issued on your CNIC.

Note: You will be charged PKR 2 + tax for each SMS sent to 668.

If the number of SIMs issued against your CNIC is more than you are currently using, contact the Customer Service Centre of the respective company operator to instantly block the sim(s) not under your personal use.

Any SIM issued against your CNIC number belongs to you, and someone else using it could be risky for you. If that SIM is used in any criminal activity, you may land into serious trouble.

What is SIM Cloning and Why Should You Be Aware of It?

SIM cloning is the process of duplicating a SIM card by transferring its information to another SIM card. This allows someone else to use the duplicate SIM on a different phone, with all the charges and data attributed to the original SIM card.

Criminals often use SIM cloning for illegal activities. Usually, if your sim is cloned then you stop receiving any text messages or calls.

If you get to know that your SIM is cloned then immediately block your SIM to avoid any inconvenience.
The process to block any unwanted sim or sim not under your use is shared below.

If you suspect your SIM is cloned then here we have shared 3 Ways to Check If Your SIM Has Been Cloned

PTA Biometric Verification System

The PTA Biometric Verification System (BVS) is a major step to ensure the safety of cellular subscribers and prevent illegal use of mobile connections. Through this system, you can easily:

• Obtain a duplicate SIM.
• Activate or buy a new SIM card.
• Change the ownership of a SIM card registered under someone else’s CNIC.
• Re-verify your SIM card.
• Resolve issues regarding mobile number portability.

How to Get Your SIM Card’s Biometric Verification?

To avoid having your SIM card blocked, ensure it is registered in your name. Here’s how to check the name of the SIM owner:

1. Open the text message application on your phone.
2. Send a blank message to 667.
3. You will receive a text message showing the name of the SIM owner.

How to Block a SIM Card Registered Against Your CNIC?

If you want to get rid of any mobile SIM that you no longer use, it’s better to get it blocked.
Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the nearest franchise or customer support office of the relevant cellular company.
2. Show your original CNIC and fill out a form to block the number immediately.

Using illegal or unregistered SIM cards is a crime and has consequences. If you are using an unregistered SIM card or a SIM card in someone else’s name, address this issue immediately to avoid legal trouble.