Rashid Minhas has compiled this step-by-step guide to Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Pakistan, helping subscribers understand exactly how to move their existing mobile number from one network operator to another without losing it. Whether you are switching from Jazz to Telenor, Zong to Ufone, or any other combination, the process is entirely consumer-friendly, free of charge, and regulated by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
What Is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?
Mobile Number Portability is a regulatory framework that allows mobile subscribers to retain their existing phone number when they switch from one network operator to another. Without MNP, changing your network would mean losing your number — a significant inconvenience given that phone numbers are tied to personal relationships, business contacts, banking OTPs, and social media accounts.
Pakistan introduced MNP in March 2007, making it one of the earlier developing countries to implement this consumer-friendly policy. The system is administered by the PTA and operated through a central clearing house. All four major operators — Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone — are mandated to participate.
Who Regulates MNP in Pakistan?
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulates MNP under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996 and subsequent amendments. PTA has issued specific MNP regulations that govern the timelines, procedures, and consumer protections applicable to all porting requests.
Key regulatory points worth knowing:
- No operator can charge a subscriber for porting their number. Porting fees are explicitly prohibited by PTA regulation.
- Operators must complete the porting process within the prescribed timeline — PTA can penalise operators for unjustified delays.
- Operators cannot unfairly obstruct porting requests (e.g., by imposing artificial technical delays).
- Subscribers retain all rights to port regardless of how long they have been on a network.
Eligibility Requirements Before You Can Port
While the porting process is open to all subscribers, there are a few eligibility requirements that must be met:
- SIM must be active for at least 60 days: A newly activated SIM cannot be ported immediately. The minimum holding period before a port is eligible is 60 days from the date of activation.
- No outstanding balance on postpaid accounts: If you are on a postpaid plan and have an unpaid bill, you must clear the outstanding amount before your port request can be approved.
- SIM must not be blocked: A SIM that is currently blocked (either subscriber-requested or operator-ordered) cannot be ported until the block is removed.
- Biometric verification must be complete: Your SIM must be biometrically verified. If your SIM is flagged for pending biometric verification, complete that first at the operator franchise.
Step-by-Step MNP Process in Pakistan
Step 1: Initiate the Porting Request via SMS
Send the word PORT (in capital letters) as an SMS to 667 from the number you wish to port. This is a universal short code — it works from any Pakistani network and is free of charge.
You will receive an automated reply containing your Porting Request Code (PRC) — a unique alphanumeric code that is valid for a limited period (typically 24–48 hours). Keep this code safe; you will need it at the new operator’s franchise.
Step 2: Visit Your Desired New Operator’s Franchise
Take the following documents to the new operator’s franchise, service centre, or authorised retail outlet:
- Your original CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
- Your PRC (Porting Request Code received via SMS)
- Your current SIM card (the one you wish to port)
At the franchise, a representative will verify your documents, complete biometric verification on the NADRA BVS terminal, and process your request for a new SIM card on the new network carrying your existing number.
Step 3: Receive Your New SIM Card
The franchise representative will issue you a new SIM card on the new operator’s network. This new SIM will initially be in an inactive state — it will not work until the porting process completes and the number is transferred.
Step 4: Porting Activation Period (24–48 Hours)
After the new SIM is issued, the porting request enters the central MNP clearing house. The process involves the new operator notifying the old operator, the old operator releasing the number, and the number being activated on the new network. This typically takes 24 to 48 hours from the time the franchise processes your request.
Step 5: Old SIM Deactivates, New SIM Activates
When the porting is complete, your old SIM will stop registering on any network. Your new SIM will become active with your same number. You will receive an SMS from the new operator confirming successful activation. Insert the new SIM into your phone and your existing number is now on the new network.
MNP Timeline Summary
| Stage | Action | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | SMS PORT to 667, receive PRC | Immediate (within seconds) |
| Franchise Visit | Submit documents, biometric verification, receive new SIM | Within 24 hours of receiving PRC |
| Processing | MNP clearing house processes request | 24–48 hours from franchise submission |
| Activation | New SIM active, old SIM deactivated | Total: up to 72 hours from initiation |
Cost of Porting Your Number
Porting your mobile number in Pakistan is completely free of charge. PTA regulations explicitly prohibit any operator from charging a subscriber for the MNP process. You should not pay any porting fee, processing charge, or administrative cost — if any franchise or retailer asks you for a payment specifically for the porting process, report it to PTA’s consumer helpline at 0800-55055.
The new operator may, however, charge you for the new SIM card itself. SIM card costs in Pakistan are typically nominal (PKR 0–300 depending on the operator and any promotional package you choose at activation). Always clarify any charges before proceeding.
What Happens to Your Existing Packages, Balance, and VAS Services
This is a critical point that many subscribers overlook before initiating a port:
- Prepaid balance: Any remaining prepaid balance on your old SIM is forfeited when the port completes. It cannot be transferred to the new operator. Use up your remaining balance before initiating the port.
- Active bundles and packages: All active data, call, and SMS bundles on your old SIM are cancelled when porting completes. They are not transferable.
- Value Added Services (VAS): Any subscribed services (news alerts, caller tunes, internet packages) on your old number will need to be re-subscribed on the new network.
- Postpaid bills: Any outstanding postpaid dues on the old network remain your responsibility and must be settled with the old operator even after porting.
How to Cancel a Porting Request
Changed your mind after sending the PORT SMS? You can cancel the porting request before it completes:
- Send CANCELPORT as an SMS to 667 from the number you wish to keep on the current network.
- This cancellation must be done within 24 hours of the original port request.
- After 24 hours, if you have already visited the new operator’s franchise and they have submitted the request, cancellation may require you to contact the new operator’s customer care.
How to Check Porting Status
There are two ways to check the status of your MNP request:
- Online portal: Visit mnp.pta.gov.pk and enter your mobile number to view the current porting status.
- SMS: Send STATUS to 667 from the number being ported to receive an automated status update.
All Operators’ Franchise Requirements for MNP
| Operator (Donor/Recipient) | Documents Required | Biometric Required | Franchise Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | Original CNIC + PRC | Yes (NADRA BVS) | Jazz franchise / experience centre only |
| Telenor | Original CNIC + PRC | Yes (NADRA BVS) | Telenor Sales & Service Centre |
| Zong | Original CNIC + PRC | Yes (NADRA BVS) | Zong franchise (not sub-retailers) |
| Ufone | Original CNIC + PRC | Yes (NADRA BVS) | Ufone Service Centre / PTCL office |
Note: MNP processing can only be done at authorised operator franchises, not at general SIM retailers or corner shops. If a retailer claims they can process an MNP request, visit an official franchise instead.
Things to Verify After Porting Completes
Once you receive confirmation that your number has been successfully ported, go through this checklist to ensure everything is working correctly:
- Insert your new SIM and verify that your original number appears on your phone’s display.
- Make a test call to confirm outgoing calls work.
- Send a test SMS to confirm messaging works.
- Enable mobile data and verify internet connectivity using the new operator’s APN settings (the franchise should configure this during the visit).
- Update your banking OTP number if your bank has a mobile number on record — use the new SIM to receive OTPs before the old SIM deactivates.
- Re-subscribe to any VAS or data bundles on the new network.
- Update your number in any accounts where your old SIM’s operator-specific services were linked.
MNP Network Share in Pakistan — Approximate Trends
PTA publishes MNP statistics periodically. Based on historical data and market trends:
- Jazz has historically been the largest recipient of ported numbers due to its extensive coverage and established brand following the Mobilink-Warid merger.
- Telenor consistently receives significant inbound ports, particularly in urban centres and from subscribers seeking better data coverage.
- Zong has gained porting share steadily as its 4G and 5G network coverage has expanded across Pakistan.
- Ufone tends to have higher outbound porting relative to inbound, partly due to its smaller network footprint compared to the other three operators.
For the most current MNP statistics, visit pta.gov.pk and navigate to the Telecom Indicators section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I port a SIM that I have only had for 30 days?
No. PTA requires a minimum of 60 days of active use before a SIM is eligible for MNP. If you attempt to send PORT to 667 before the 60-day window, you will receive an error message stating your number is not yet eligible for porting. Wait until the 60-day period has elapsed and then initiate the request.
2. Will my WhatsApp and other apps linked to my number still work after porting?
Yes. Since your phone number remains the same after porting, WhatsApp and all other apps that use your number for verification will continue to work seamlessly. You may receive a one-time re-verification SMS from some apps when they detect your SIM has changed, but this is normal and quick to complete.
3. Can a corporate or business SIM be ported using MNP?
Corporate SIM porting is more complex. The authorised signatory for the corporate account must initiate the process with supporting business documents (company letter, NTN, CNIC of signatory). Contact your current operator’s business team to initiate a corporate MNP request.
4. What if my porting request is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include: outstanding postpaid balance, SIM not active for 60+ days, pending biometric verification, or a previous port request still in process. The rejection SMS will typically include a reason code. Resolve the underlying issue and resubmit your PORT request. If you believe the rejection is unjustified, file a complaint via PTA’s consumer helpline at 0800-55055.
5. If I port to a new network, can I port back to my old network later?
Yes. You can port your number multiple times, subject to the 60-day waiting period between each port. After porting to a new operator, you must use the new SIM for at least 60 days before you can port again — whether back to your original network or to a third operator.