Telecom franchise owner arrested in Mianwali as PTA cracks down on illegal SIMs

In a major move against illegal SIM issuance, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have arrested a telecom franchise owner in Mianwali, Punjab. The crackdown, aimed at curbing the unauthorized distribution of SIM cards, underscores the government’s intensified efforts to combat digital fraud and security risks.

The latest arrest follows a broader initiative by the PTA and FIA, which has already led to the detention of at least 54 individuals and the seizure of over 15,000 illegal SIMs across Pakistan. The arrested franchise owner was allegedly engaged in bypassing the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS), a critical security measure meant to prevent identity theft and unauthorized SIM activation.

In a press release issued Tuesday, the PTA confirmed that a joint raid was conducted on a Ufone franchise in Mianwali with the support of the FIA’s Lahore Cyber Crime Circle.

“The franchise was found to be involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs. During the operation, 496 digital fingerprint impressions (single impressions), Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices, two scanners, and a laptop were seized,” the PTA stated.

The FIA has taken the confiscated equipment as evidence, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the franchise owner. Further investigations are underway to identify additional individuals involved in the illicit activity.

The crackdown comes at a time when concerns over cyber fraud, identity theft, and illegal SIM usage are at an all-time high in Pakistan. Fraudulent SIM registrations have been linked to a surge in financial scams, unauthorized international call routing, and even terrorism-related activities. The PTA’s intensified scrutiny highlights the urgent need to enforce stringent telecom regulations and close loopholes in biometric verification processes.

The FIA’s Cyber Crime Circle is spearheading efforts to dismantle illegal SIM networks, following previous high-profile arrests. Last month, a suspect from Lahore’s Gulshan Ali Colony was apprehended for allegedly distributing international SIMs illegally. Additionally, in February, law enforcement agencies recovered over 8,363 unauthorized UK SIMs and registered 21 cases nationwide.

The PTA has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal SIM issuance, warning telecom operators and franchise owners against any involvement in unlawful activities. With digital security becoming a growing national concern, experts argue that stricter compliance measures and AI-driven monitoring systems should be integrated to prevent fraud at the source.

As investigations continue, industry stakeholders await further action from the authorities, anticipating more arrests and regulatory enhancements to curb illegal telecom operations in Pakistan.

Stay tuned to Techlist for more updates on this developing story.