Pakistan Telecommunication Authority mandates 180-day prepaid balance validity

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a new directive requiring mobile operators to provide prepaid users with a minimum of 180 days of balance validity for every recharge. This regulation, set to take effect on October 1, 2026, aims to protect consumers—particularly the low-income demographic that makes up a significant portion of the approximately 97% of prepaid subscribers in Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Under the new rules, any prepaid balance that expires while a SIM remains active must be automatically reinstated once the subscriber performs their next recharge. This measure addresses frequent complaints regarding the forfeiture of unused funds. The PTA has strictly prohibited mobile operators from employing unfair commercial practices during the implementation of these changes.

The decision follows a consultation process where the public largely supported measures to link unused balances to a subscriber’s CNIC for restoration or refunds. While some operators, such as Jazz, have expressed support for extended validity, others have raised concerns regarding the technical complexities and operational costs associated with certain proposed mechanisms.