Grand Operation Against Mobile SIMs on Expired CNICs

In view of the increasing financial fraud, cybercrime and the increasing trend of using fake SIMs in Pakistan, the government has taken a big step. NADRA and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have jointly decided to launch a Grand Operation Against Mobile SIMs on Expired CNICs from June 30, 2025, under which expired CNICs and mobile SIMs issued in the name of deceased persons will be phased out. NADRA has provided PTA with a complete record of these CNICs on which thousands of mobile SIMs are registered, and most of them include CNICs whose validity expired in 2017 or whose owners are no longer in this world.

This step was also inevitable because during the investigation it was revealed that most of the online frauds are being committed through the same fake SIMs, which were being used for banking, business and social media. If someone in your family has an expired ID card or mobile SIMs are running in the name of a deceased loved one, then contact NADRA immediately and get the records corrected. Otherwise, all these SIMs will be deactivated from June 30. The aim of this step is not only to keep the public safe but also to make the digital security system in the country better and more reliable.

Grand Operation Against Mobile SIMs on Expired CNICs – PTA & NADRA Finalize Action Plan Starting June 30, 2025

Why Is This Operation Being Conducted?

In recent years, a growing number of mobile SIMs have been found registered on expired identity cards or on CNICs of deceased persons. Many of these SIMs were being used for fraudulent activities, including online banking scams, illegal transfers, and impersonation.

According to official sources, individuals and families have suffered losses worth lakhs and crores of rupees due to scams committed using such unverified SIMs.

Investigations revealed that most SIMs used in these frauds were linked to CNICs that had expired or belonged to people who had passed away. This created a loophole in Pakistan’s digital security system that cybercriminals took full advantage of.

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Who Is Leading the Operation?

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is spearheading this operation in coordination with NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). NADRA has provided the PTA with complete records of expired and deceased CNICs currently associated with active mobile SIMs.

The PTA has now finalized a comprehensive plan to deactivate these SIMs in a phased manner, starting from June 30, 2025.

Phased Plan of SIM Blocking

The SIM blocking process will be carried out in three major phases, each targeting different sets of expired CNICs:

Phase 1: Starting June 30, 2025

All mobile SIMs issued on CNICs that expired in 2017 will be deactivated.

Phase 2: Starting November 30, 2025

SIMs issued on CNICs that expired after 2017 but before 2020 will be blocked.

Phase 3: Ending December 31, 2025

A final sweep will be conducted to block all remaining SIMs issued on any expired or deceased identity cards.

This strategic approach will allow telecom companies and the public to prepare in advance and avoid abrupt disconnections.

What Should SIM Owners Do?

If you or your family members are using mobile SIMs issued on expired or deceased CNICs, you must take immediate action. Here’s what you can do:

Check the Validity of Your CNIC:
- Visit your nearest NADRA center or check online to confirm your CNIC’s status.
Update Records with NADRA:
- If your CNIC has expired, renew it immediately.
- If a SIM is still active under the name of a deceased relative, visit NADRA and initiate the record correction process.
Transfer SIM Ownership:
- PTA and mobile networks are offering assistance in transferring SIM ownership from deceased individuals to their rightful heirs. Don’t delay.
Avoid Buying SIMs from Unknown Sources:
- Never buy SIMs registered on someone else’s ID card.

How Will This Step Protect Citizens?

This grand operation will:

Block fraudulent SIMs being used for scams.
Prevent further online banking and digital transaction frauds.
Secure the identity of deceased individuals, avoiding posthumous misuse.
Strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

According to PTA, this action is crucial to prevent misuse of mobile numbers, particularly in financial crimes.

NADRA’s Statement

NADRA has clearly stated that heirs of deceased CNIC holders must immediately report and correct their data to avoid SIM deactivation. Failure to update NADRA records will result in the complete blocking of all SIMs associated with expired or deceased ID cards starting June 30, 2025.

NADRA centers across Pakistan have been instructed to cooperate fully with citizens in updating or correcting their records.

PTA’s Warning

The PTA has warned mobile operators to ensure full compliance. Networks failing to deactivate SIMs as per the schedule may face strict action.

If you receive an alert, SMS, or notification from your mobile operator regarding CNIC status or SIM deactivation, respond immediately and follow the given instructions.

Final Words

Operation Start Date: June 30, 2025
First Phase Targets: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2017
Total Phases: 3 (ending Dec 31, 2025)
Issued By: PTA in collaboration with NADRA

This step is part of the government’s broader vision to ensure digital safety, reduce online fraud, and build public trust in Pakistan’s telecommunication system.

We urge all citizens to take this matter seriously. If you have any doubts about your SIM registration or CNIC status, get it checked and updated before June 30, 2025 to avoid disconnection.

Grand Operation Against Mobile SIMs on Expired CNICs – PTA & NADRA Finalize Action Plan Starting June 30, 2025