Pakistan telecommunications regulation and security

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented new regulations to address consumer costs and security concerns within the mobile sector.

In August 2026, the PTA introduced a new eSIM pricing policy that caps initial fees at Rs 1,500 and allows up to ten free transfers between compatible devices. To support these changes, the regulator began collaborating with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to develop a secure digital platform utilizing facial and iris verification for remote transfers.

By September 2026, authorities reported significant security challenges, noting that approximately 18.2 million SIM cards had been blocked over the previous two and a half years. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) highlighted the misuse of biometric data for fraudulent SIM registrations and financial crimes. In response, parliamentary committees have called for enhanced verification technologies and closer coordination between the PTA, banks, and law enforcement to protect subscriber data.