PTA conducts successful raids against illegal SIM card issuance in Swat
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) continues its crackdown on illegal SIM card issuance, with successful raids at multiple locations.
In Mingora Swat, a successful raid was conducted by PTA Zonal Office Peshawar in collaboration with FIA Cyber Crime Circle Peshawar against a mobile company franchisee suspected of illegally issuing SIM cards. The suspects used the guise of BISP payouts to take biometric information (finger/thumbprints) from subscribers for SIM card issuance.
Similarly, PTA Zonal Office & FIA Cyber Crime Circle Gujranwala in Lahore conducted raids against three mobile company franchisees suspected of illegally issuing SIM cards in Gujranwala, Pasroor and Narowal.
BVS devices issued by the mobile company and a BISP payout bank and active SIM cards were seized during the raids. Five suspects have been arrested. The FIA is currently investigating the matter further. PTA had previously lodged complaints with the FIA based on suspicious SIM card issuance at sales channels.
The raids at both locations demonstrate PTA’s determination to stop the illegal issuance of SIM cards and prevent circumvention of the Multi-finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
See also: PTA launches cybersecurity platform for telecom sector
