PTA to Regulate Foreign SIMs

Notably, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed mandatory identity verification for international roaming users accessing Pakistani mobile networks through foreign SIM cards and eSIMs, citing reservations over fraud, security and the misuse of untraceable connections.

Key points

• Under the draft International Roaming (Inbound) Regulations, 2026, mobile operators would be required to introduce Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify the identities of incoming roaming users.
• The PTA has invited written comments from stakeholders by November 10, 2026.
• According to the PTA, international roaming connections at present operate without local identity verification, making it challenging to trace users involved in fraudulent activities.
• Travel SIM and eSIM aggregators would additionally be brought under the authority's registration and regulatory framework.
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Notably, the proposed checks could require users to provide passport or travel document details, nationality, SIM or eSIM information, arrival dates, projected length of stay and the name of their foreign mobile operator. Finance Minister Exposes Dark Reality of Climate Programs.

According to the PTA, international roaming connections at present operate without local identity verification, making it challenging to trace users involved in fraudulent activities. The authority has highlighted risks including spoofed calls, SMS phishing, extortion, e-commerce fraud and the misuse of social media accounts through foreign SIMs and eSIMs.

In practice, the draft proposes a number of ways to collect identity information, including verification links sent through welcome SMS messages, a PTA-approved digital portal, coordination with immigration and border control authorities, and registered travel SIM and eSIM aggregators.

Mobile operators would additionally have to retain customer verification records for at least 12 months after a user stops using international roaming services, unless the PTA prescribes a different period. Travel SIM and eSIM aggregators would additionally be brought under the authority's registration and regulatory framework.

In practice, the proposed regulations include measures to monitor permanent roaming, restrict abusive employ and block connections involved in illegal activities.

Notably, the PTA has invited written comments from stakeholders by November 10, 2026. The rules are still at the consultation stage and would take effect only after PTA notifies them. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around PTA to Regulate Foreign SIMs point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.