The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore, working with NCCIA Lahore, has cracked down on illegal SIM networks across Punjab. As a result, the teams recovered nearly 16,000 illegal SIMs and arrested several suspects in a major enforcement drive.
To begin with, officials raided a grey SIM setup in Multan. This illegal hub ran thousands of active connections for all major mobile operators. Although the main suspect escaped before the raid, the team still seized vital telecom equipment on the spot.
Next, the recovered SIMs led investigators to a franchise in Kot Momin, Sargodha. Acting quickly, PTA teams raided the outlet and arrested the franchise owner and two accomplices. During questioning, they learned about another link in Hasilpur that supplied fake fingerprints.
Consequently, the teams tracked down the Hasilpur suspect, who provided fake fingerprints for illegal SIM issuance and collected activated SIMs for resale. Moreover, officials discovered he ran three active franchises in Vehari, Hasilpur, and Multan, as well as a previous franchise in Lahore.
In total, authorities confiscated 15,996 SIMs: 12,636 Ufone, 1,370 Jazz, 1,100 Zong, and 890 Telenor connections. They also seized 18 Zong BVS devices, one 128-port gateway, six 64-port gateways, and four 32-port gateways. These tools helped the illegal network activate and sell SIMs on a massive scale.
As a result of this crackdown, NCCIA has registered an FIR against the key suspect and his partners. According to PTA, this major bust shows its determination to stop illegal SIM operations and protect Pakistan’s digital security.
Furthermore, PTA warns that such illegal SIMs fuel scams, identity theft, and cybercrime. Therefore, the authority urges citizens to report shady SIM dealers and help shut down this unlawful trade.
Looking ahead, PTA plans more surprise raids and tighter checks on franchises to keep illegal SIMs off the market. FactFile will keep reporting updates as PTA expands its action to secure Pakistan’s telecom industry.
