In Pakistan, mobile SIM card security has become increasingly important as every SIM is registered against the owner’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). To prevent misuse, fraud, and identity theft, it’s essential to know how to check SIMs on CNIC and monitor the mobile numbers registered under your name. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) provides simple, official methods to help citizens track their registered SIM cards and ensure their personal information remains secure.
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This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about checking active SIMs on your CNIC, understanding PTA regulations, verifying SIM ownership, and blocking unauthorized SIM cards in Pakistan.
Understanding PTA’s SIM Card Registration Limits
Before learning how to check the number of active SIMs, it’s crucial to understand the regulatory limits set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. According to PTA regulations confirmed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, individuals are allowed a maximum of five voice SIM cards across all cellular operators registered under their CNIC simultaneously. Additionally, the Supreme Court relaxed restrictions in 2015 by allowing up to three data SIMs in addition to the five voice SIMs per CNIC.
This means you can have a total of eight SIM cards (five voice and three data) registered under one CNIC at any given time. If you already have five voice SIMs registered and wish to obtain another, you must block an unused SIM first to free up space within the limit.
The 5-SIM limit was implemented in 2012 on orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan during hearings on the law and order situation in Baluchistan, primarily for security reasons to prevent the use of anonymous and unregistered SIMs in terrorist activities.
How to Check the Number of Active SIMs Issued Against Your CNIC
PTA provides two convenient and official methods to check how many SIM cards are linked to your CNIC.
Method 1: Check SIMs Through the PTA Website
The online method is free and provides instant results:
Step 1: Visit the official PTA SIM Information website at cnic.sims.pk
Step 2: Enter your 13-digit CNIC number in the provided field (without dashes or spaces)
Step 3: Complete the captcha verification to confirm you are human
Step 4: Click ‘Submit’ to view results
Step 5: View a detailed list of all registered SIMs categorized by mobile operators (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, and others)
The system displays the total number of SIMs registered under your CNIC along with the network operator for each SIM.
Method 2: Check SIMs Through SMS (668 Service)
For those without internet access, PTA offers an SMS-based verification service:
Step 1: Open your phone’s text message application
Step 2: Type your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes or spaces
Step 3: Send the message to 668
Step 4: Receive a detailed text message showing the total number of active SIM cards for each operator
Important Note: Each SMS sent to 668 incurs a charge of PKR 2 plus tax. The reply message format typically shows: “Mobilink: 00, Telenor: 00, Zong: 00, Ufone: 00, Warid: 00, Total: 00”.
Both methods are official, secure, and provide accurate information directly from PTA’s centralized SIM database.
How to Check SIM Owner Name and Verify Biometric Registration
Verifying that your SIM card is properly registered under your name and biometrically verified is essential to avoid blocking issues.
Check SIM Owner Name Using 667 Service
To verify the name registered to your SIM card, you can use the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service:
Step 1: Open your phone’s messaging application
Step 2: Send a blank SMS or type “MNP” to 667
Step 3: Receive a reply message detailing the SIM owner’s name and CNIC number
This service works across all major Pakistani networks including Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone.
Check Biometric Verification Status by Network
Different mobile operators provide specific methods to check if your SIM is biometrically verified:
Jazz (Mobilink): Send your CNIC number to short-code 6001 or dial *444*6*1#
Telenor: Send any SMS (including blank) to 7751 or dial *#778#
Zong (CMPak): Send “V” to short-code 7911 or dial *100#
Ufone: Dial USSD code *336# and type 1, or dial *#100#
Understanding Biometric Verification Requirements
Since 2015, Pakistan has implemented a mandatory Multi Random Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) for all SIM-related transactions. This system requires biometric authentication through NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) for the following activities:
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Purchasing or activating a new SIM card
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Getting a duplicate SIM
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Changing SIM ownership
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Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
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Re-verification of existing SIMs
The biometric verification process involves fingerprint scanning (typically both thumbs), facial photography, and real-time verification against NADRA’s database. This system was implemented to combat identity fraud, SIM-related crimes, and ensure national security.
All SIMs purchased before 2015 without biometric verification must undergo re-verification to avoid being blocked. Citizens are advised to visit authorized customer service centers, franchises, or registered retailers equipped with MBVS devices to complete verification.
How to Block Unauthorized SIM Cards Registered Against Your CNIC
If you discover SIM cards registered under your CNIC that you did not authorize, it’s crucial to block them immediately to prevent misuse.
Steps to Block a SIM Card
Method 1: Visit a Service Center
Step 1: Visit the nearest franchise or customer service center of the relevant cellular company
Step 2: Bring your original CNIC (photocopies are not sufficient)
Step 3: Complete the SIM blocking form provided by the service center
Step 4: Specify the mobile numbers you want to block (the service center will verify and fill in details)
Step 5: Submit the form with three copies of your CNIC attached
The blocking process typically takes 30-40 days to complete. Note that customer service centers handle SIM blocking, not franchises, though in cities without service centers, some authorized franchises may offer this service.
Method 2: Contact Network Helpline
You can also block SIMs by calling your mobile operator’s customer service number:
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Jazz: Call 111
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Telenor: Call 345
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Zong: Call 310
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Ufone: Call 333
Method 3: File a Complaint with PTA
If your network operator doesn’t respond, you can file a complaint directly with PTA online at https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint or call 0800-55055.
SIM Disowning Charges
As of January 1, 2024, cellular operators may levy a “SIM Disowning Charge” of up to PKR 200 on SIMs with a retention period of less than six months. To avoid this charge, citizens were advised to disown unnecessary SIMs free of charge before December 31, 2023. A one-time waiver is granted for illegal SIM issuance cases where the consumer had no knowledge or consent.
Important Security Updates for 2025
Blocking SIMs Linked to Expired CNICs
The Government of Pakistan has launched a phased operation to block more than 4.9 million mobile SIMs registered against expired or cancelled CNICs. The blocking schedule is as follows:
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June 30, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2017
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July 31, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2018
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August 31, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2019
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September 30, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2020
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October 31, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2021
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November 30, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2022
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December 31, 2025: SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2023, 2024, and 2025
Citizens are urged to renew their expired CNICs immediately by visiting the nearest NADRA registration center or using the Pak-ID mobile app to avoid service disruptions. NADRA can be contacted via helpline 1777 (for mobile users) or +92-51-111786100.
New SIM Issuance Rules
PTA has implemented new standard operating procedures effective from January 24, 2025, to combat the illegal issuance of SIMs:
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The first new SIM will be issued and activated within 8 hours
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The second new SIM for an individual will be available and activated in 7 days instead of the previous 8 hours
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Duplicate SIM cards will also be issued within 8 hours
These measures were taken to contain the issuance of multiple SIMs to one user in a day using fake thumb impressions.
Why Checking SIMs on CNIC is Important
Regularly monitoring SIM cards registered under your CNIC is essential for several critical reasons:
Prevent Identity Fraud: Unauthorized SIMs can be used for illegal activities under your name, exposing you to legal consequences.
Protect Against Financial Fraud: Fraudsters can use unauthorized SIMs registered under your CNIC for SIM swap attacks, gaining access to your bank accounts and online services through SMS-based two-factor authentication.
Comply with PTA Regulations: Staying within the 5-SIM limit ensures compliance with Pakistani telecommunications law.
Avoid Service Disruption: Unverified or unauthorized SIMs may be blocked by PTA, potentially affecting your legitimate mobile services.
National Security: The SIM verification system helps combat terrorism and crime by ensuring all SIMs are traceable to verified identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my CNIC for registered SIMs?
You should check your registered SIMs every few months to detect any unauthorized SIM cards. Regular monitoring helps you identify and block fraudulent registrations before they can be misused.
Can I check SIM owner details by mobile number?
No, PTA does not allow public access to owner names or CNIC information by mobile number due to privacy laws. You can only check SIMs registered under your own CNIC using the methods described above.
What should I do if I find unauthorized SIMs on my CNIC?
Immediately visit the customer service center of the relevant network operator with your original CNIC to file a complaint and request blocking of unauthorized numbers. You can also file a complaint with PTA through their online portal or helpline.
Are there any charges for checking SIMs online?
Checking SIMs through the PTA website at cnic.sims.pk is completely free. However, using the SMS service by sending your CNIC to 668 costs PKR 2 plus tax per message.
Can I have more than 5 SIMs from different operators?
No, the 5-SIM limit applies across all cellular operators combined, not per operator. You cannot have more than 5 voice SIMs total, regardless of which networks they’re from. You can, however, have an additional 3 data SIMs.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check SIMs on CNIC is essential for protecting your identity and ensuring compliance with Pakistani telecommunications regulations. By using the official PTA methods—either through the website at cnic.sims.pk or by sending your CNIC to 668 via SMS—you can easily monitor all SIM cards registered under your name.
Regular verification helps you detect unauthorized registrations early, prevents identity fraud, and protects you from potential legal and financial consequences. If you discover any unauthorized SIMs, take immediate action by contacting your mobile operator or filing a complaint with PTA.
With the government’s ongoing crackdown on expired CNICs and enhanced biometric verification systems, staying informed about your registered SIMs is more important than ever in 2025. Make it a habit to check your SIM status every few months and ensure all your SIMs are properly biometrically verified to avoid service disruptions.
