PTA to 'block SIMs' in three phases: Check out all the details

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has devised a plan to block Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) of users in three phases, ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources. 

According to sources within PTA, the authority has received data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the process to block the sims will start on August 16.

The details stated that SIMs registered on the fake and canceled CNICs would be blocked in the first phase, while in the second phase, SIMs registered at expired CNICs to be blocked.

In the third and final phase SIMs registered under CNICs of deceased persons will be blocked, the sources said.

Furthermore, the subscribers have started receiving messages on their SIMs.

Read more: IHC bars govt from blocking non-filers’ SIMs

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred the federal government from blocking the Subscriber Identity Modules of non-filers.

IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq issued the order in response to a writ petition filed by the telecom operator.

The petition challenged Clause 114-B of the Income Tax Ordinance and the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Income Tax General Orders against non-filers.

The petitioner argued that the tax regulator’s new-found authority violated the fundamental right to freedom of business under Article 18 of the Constitution.