ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Interior, on the recommendation of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to initiate a phased process for deactivation of all mobile SIMs issued on Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) that have been cancelled, expired, impounded or declared deceased.
According to a letter issued by the Ministry of Interior to the PTA, NADRA has provided comprehensive data identifying such CNICs along with a schedule for the blocking of associated mobile SIMs.
The process will commence on June 30, 2025, with the deactivation of SIMs registered against CNICs that expired in 2017. In the subsequent months, SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2018 will be deactivated on July 31, 2025, followed by SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2019 on August 31, 2025.
The process will continue with the deactivation of SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in 2020 on September 30, 2025, those expired in 2021 on October 31, 2025, and those expired in 2022 on November 30, 2025.
In the final phase, mobile SIMs registered on CNICs that expired in the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be deactivated on December 31, 2025.
According to the data shared by NADRA, a total of 4,906,611 such CNICs have been identified. These identity cards have not been reviewed nor have their holders been officially reported as deceased.
The deactivation of mobile SIMs linked to these identity cards is being carried out to enhance national security, prevent the potential misuse of mobile networks through inactive or fraudulent identities and ensure the safety and integrity of the country’s digital ecosystem.
Citizens are strongly advised to renew their CNICs in a timely manner to avoid any disruption to their mobile services and to ensure their continued inclusion in the national identity system.
