By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – A government audit has uncovered serious irregularities in the registration and sale of mobile phone SIM cards in Balochistan, revealing that thousands of SIMs were allegedly activated through fraudulent means using the identities of residents from Punjab.
The audit findings have raised fresh concerns about weaknesses in Pakistan’s SIM registration system and the enforcement of regulations designed to prevent identity theft and illegal mobile phone use.
According to the report, seven mobile phone franchises operating in different parts of Balochistan activated nearly 2,000 SIM cards under the names and identity details of citizens living in Punjab without following legal verification procedures.
The audit described the practice as a major regulatory failure that could have serious implications for national security and law enforcement.
Investigators noted that despite evidence pointing to fraudulent registration practices, authorities took only limited administrative action against the franchises involved.
Instead of initiating criminal proceedings, the relevant authorities merely issued show-cause notices asking the franchise operators to explain their conduct.
The report pointed out that no criminal cases were registered against those allegedly responsible for the illegal SIM activations, while no financial penalties were imposed on the franchises despite the seriousness of the violations.
Audit officials expressed concern that such a response failed to reflect the scale of the alleged fraud and did little to discourage similar activities in the future.
The report also examined the role of telecommunications companies responsible for supervising franchise operations and ensuring compliance with SIM registration rules.
According to the audit, two telecom operators were collectively fined more than Rs1.88 billion over regulatory violations linked to the case.
Show-cause notices were also served on the companies, requiring them to explain why further action should not be taken against them.
However, the audit observed that the implementation of these penalties and administrative decisions remained incomplete.
Officials noted that delays in enforcing fines and regulatory measures weaken oversight mechanisms and reduce accountability within the telecommunications sector.
The report stressed that the illegal registration of SIM cards poses risks extending beyond financial fraud.
Authorities warned that unverified or fraudulently activated SIMs could be exploited for criminal activities, cybercrime, financial scams and other offences that threaten public safety and national security.
Pakistan has introduced strict biometric verification systems in recent years to prevent the misuse of mobile phone connections and eliminate fake SIM registrations.
Under these regulations, mobile phone users are required to verify their identities through biometric data before receiving an active SIM card.
Despite these safeguards, the audit findings suggest that weaknesses remain in monitoring franchise operations and ensuring compliance with regulatory procedures.
Audit officials recommended immediate action to recover outstanding fines from the companies concerned and called for stronger legal proceedings against individuals and businesses found responsible for violating SIM registration rules.
The report also urged regulators to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, improve oversight of franchise operations and conduct regular inspections to detect fraudulent practices before they become widespread.
Experts say identity theft involving mobile phone registrations can expose innocent citizens to legal complications if illegally registered SIMs are later linked to criminal investigations.
For this reason, security analysts have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining accurate subscriber records and enforcing strict verification procedures across the telecommunications sector.
The audit concluded that effective enforcement of existing laws, combined with stronger regulatory oversight and timely legal action, is essential to restore confidence in Pakistan’s SIM registration system and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are expected to review the audit findings and decide on further legal and administrative measures against the franchises and companies identified in the report. The recommendations also call for improved coordination between telecom regulators, law enforcement agencies and mobile operators to strengthen compliance and protect the integrity of Pakistan’s telecommunications network.
