Which SIM Number On My CNIC

Checking which SIM numbers are registered on your CNIC is critical for security and legal compliance—you’re responsible for all activity on those SIMs, even ones you didn’t buy. This complete guide shows you how to check what the legal limits are, and how to remove unauthorised SIMs from your CNIC in Pakistan.

WARNING: PTA issued an explicit warning in December 2025: SIM owners are responsible for ALL illegal use of their registered numbers, including fraud, harassment, and even terrorism conducted through those SIMs.

What Does “Which SIM Number on My CNIC” Mean?

“Which SIM number on my CNIC” refers to checking all active mobile SIM cards that are officially registered under your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) in Pakistan’s telecom databases.

Every mobile SIM in Pakistan must be registered against a valid CNIC through biometric verification. PTA’s SIM Information System (668) allows you to see:

Total count of active SIMs linked to your CNIC
Operator-wise breakdown (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, SCO)
Whether unknown SIMs are registered without your knowledge

This verification system was launched by PTA to combat illegal SIM registrations and help citizens detect fraud early. If discrepancies exist and you don’t correct them, PTA can block those SIMs.

Why Should You Check SIMs on Your CNIC?

You should check SIMs on your CNIC regularly because you are legally liable for any misuse of those numbers—even if someone else is using them without your knowledge.

Legal Responsibility

In December 2025, PTA issued a strong warning due to rising mobile fraud cases, stating clearly:

“The registered SIM owner details are responsible for all illegal use of their SIMs, including fraud, harassment, scams, illegal money transfers, and even terrorist activities.”

This means if an unknown SIM registered on your CNIC is used for:

Bank account fraud or OTP hijacking
Harassment or threatening calls
Illegal money transfers
SIM box fraud (telecom bypass)
Any criminal activity

You can be held legally accountable, even if you never physically held that SIM.

Security & Fraud Risks

Unknown SIMs on your CNIC create multiple risks:

OTP fraud: Scammers receive one-time passwords to hijack your bank and social media accounts
Identity theft: Your credentials used without your knowledge
Account blocking: Exceeding PTA’s SIM limits may trigger enforcement
SIM box fraud: Mass SIMs used for illegal telecom operations

PTA Enforcement

If you exceed the legal SIM limit or have fraudulent registrations, PTA can:

Block new SIM registrations on your CNIC
Suspend existing unauthorized SIMs
Initiate legal proceedings for violations

Bottom line: Regular checking protects you from fraud, identity theft, and legal liability.

How to Check SIMs on Your CNIC via SMS 668?

The fastest way to check SIMs on your CNIC is by sending an SMS to 668, PTA’s official short code.

Step-by-Step SMS Method

Steps:

Open the messaging app on any mobile phone (works on all Pakistani networks).
In the message body, type your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes or spaces.
- Example: Type 1234567890123 (not 12345-6789012-3)
Send the message to 668.
Wait 10-30 seconds for a reply SMS.

What you’ll receive:

An SMS showing the count of active SIMs registered on your CNIC, broken down by operator:

text

Jazz: 2 SIMs

Zong: 1 SIM

Telenor: 1 SIM

Ufone: 0 SIMs

Total: 4 SIMs

Cost:

PKR 2 + tax per SMS (typically around PKR 2.30 total)
Deducted from your mobile balance

Advantages:

Works from any phone, any network
Instant results in seconds
No internet required

How to Check SIMs on Your CNIC via PTA Website?

For more detailed information and unlimited free checks, use PTA’s official SIM Information System website.

Step-by-Step Website Method

Steps:

Open your browser and visit: cnic.sims.pk (official PTA portal)
Enter your 13-digit CNIC number in the provided field (without dashes).
Complete the CAPTCHA verification (check the “I’m not a robot” box).
Click Submit or Check.

What you’ll see:

A detailed table displaying:

Operator	Number of SIMs
Jazz	2
Zong	1
Telenor	1
Ufone	0
SCO	0
Total	4

Advantages:

Free and unlimited checks (no SMS charges)
More detailed visual presentation
Can be accessed from anywhere with internet
Easy to screenshot for record-keeping

Official PTA Portal: Always use the official cnic.sims.pk or access via PTA’s main website (pta.gov.pk) to avoid fake sites.

How Many SIMs Are Allowed Per CNIC in Pakistan?

As of 2026, PTA allows a maximum of 8 SIMs per CNIC: 5 voice SIMs and 3 data-only SIMs.

Official SIM Limits (2026)

SIM Type	Maximum Allowed	Purpose
Voice SIMs	5	Regular calls, SMS, data
Data-only SIMs	3	MBB devices, tablets, dongles
Total	8	Combined across all operators

Important clarification:

You cannot have 8 voice SIMs.
The limit is specifically 5 voice + 3 data = 8 total.
This is a combined limit across all networks (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, SCO).

Historical Changes

Evolution of SIM limits in Pakistan:

Before 2012: Up to 10 SIMs per CNIC allowed
2012: Supreme Court reduced limit to 5 SIMs (voice only)
2014: Biometric Verification System (BVS) introduced; active SIMs dropped from 140M to 114M
2015: Supreme Court increased limit to 8 SIMs (5 voice + 3 data) after BVS implementation
2026: Same limits maintained (5 voice + 3 data)

The 2015 increase was granted after PTA demonstrated that biometric verification had successfully eliminated millions of fake and duplicate SIMs.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

Exceeding the 8-SIM limit can result in:

Failure to register new SIMs on your CNIC
Blocking of excess SIMs by PTA
Account suspension across operators
Potential investigation if fraud is suspected

Best practice: Keep your SIM count well below the limit and regularly monitor your CNIC.

What to Do If You Find Unknown SIMs?

If you discover SIMs on your CNIC that you don’t recognize, take immediate action to protect yourself from fraud and legal liability.

Immediate Steps

1. Identify the Unknown SIMs:

Note which operator (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone) the unknown SIM belongs to
Write down the count of unauthorized SIMs per operator
Screenshot your PTA check results for documentation

2. Determine Action Needed:

You have two options:

Block (temporary): Suspends SIM but can be reactivated
Disown (permanent): Completely removes SIM from your CNIC (recommended)

3. Visit Operator Franchise:

Go to the official franchise or Customer Service Center of that specific operator
Bring your original CNIC and 3 photocopies
Request SIM disowning (not just blocking) for unauthorized numbers

4. Complete Biometric Verification:

You must complete MBVS (Multi-finger Biometric Verification) in person
The operator will update their database to remove the SIM from your CNIC

5. File Complaint (if fraud suspected):

If you suspect identity theft or ongoing fraud, file a complaint with FIA Cybercrime (1991) or PTA
Keep records of all disowned SIMs and franchise receipts

CRITICAL: There is NO online system to remove SIMs from your CNIC. Any website claiming instant SIM removal is a scam. Official removal requires an in-person franchise visit.

What’s the Difference Between Blocking and Disowning a SIM?

Blocking and disowning are not the same thing—and understanding the difference is critical for your security.

Feature	SIM Blocking	SIM Disowning
Definition	Temporarily suspends SIM services	Permanently removes SIM from your CNIC
Duration	Can be reactivated later	Cannot be reversed
CNIC link	Still linked to your CNIC	Completely removed from your CNIC
OTP risk	🚨 May still receive OTPs	✅ No OTP access
Legal liability	⚠️ You’re still the registered owner	✅ No longer your responsibility
Process	Can be done via customer service	Requires MBVS biometric verification at franchise
Best for	Your own SIM you want to pause	Unknown/unauthorized SIMs

Why Disowning Is Critical

SECURITY ALERT: Even if a SIM is “blocked,” it may still receive SMS one-time passwords (OTPs), which scammers can use to hijack your accounts.

For complete security against unauthorized SIMs:

Always choose disowning (not blocking) for SIMs you don’t recognize
Complete the MBVS biometric process at the operator’s franchise
Verify afterward (via 668 or website) that the SIM count decreased

Legal protection: Once you disown a SIM through official channels, you are no longer the registered owner and cannot be held liable for its misuse.

How to Remove/Disown Unauthorized SIMs from Your CNIC?

To permanently remove unauthorized SIMs, you must visit the operator’s franchise and complete biometric disowning.

Complete Disowning Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Gather:

Your original CNIC
3 photocopies of your CNIC (front and back)
List of mobile numbers you want to disown (note which operator each belongs to)

Step 2: Visit the Correct Operator Franchise

Go to the official franchise or Customer Service Center of the operator whose SIM you want to disown
- Jazz SIM → Jazz franchise
- Zong SIM → Zong CSC
- Telenor SIM → Telenor franchise
- Ufone SIM → Ufone service center

Step 3: Fill Out Disowning Form

Request the SIM Disowning Form from the staff (or download beforehand from operator website)
Fill in your details:
- Full name
- CNIC number
- Mobile numbers to be disowned
Leave signature sections and operator sections blank—staff will guide you

Step 4: Complete MBVS Biometric Verification

Staff will initiate MBVS (Multi-finger Random Biometric Verification)
The system will randomly select two different fingers for scanning
Place your fingers on the biometric device as instructed
Wait for NADRA online verification (usually takes 10-30 seconds)

Step 5: Successful Verification & Database Update

If verification succeeds, the operator updates their database immediately
The SIM is permanently removed from your CNIC
You’ll receive confirmation (verbal or via SMS, depending on operator)

Step 6: Verify Removal

After 24-48 hours, check your CNIC again via 668 SMS or cnic.sims.pk
Confirm the SIM count has decreased by the number you disowned
Keep franchise receipts and confirmation for your records

Timeline

In-person process: Usually 15-30 minutes at franchise
Database propagation: 24-48 hours for full system update

Important Reminders

❌ There is NO online disowning system—any website claiming this is fake.
✅ Biometric verification is mandatory—you cannot disown SIMs remotely or via phone.
📋 Visit the correct operator—you must go to each operator separately if you have unknown SIMs on multiple networks.

What Is MBVS and Why Is It Important?

MBVS (Multi-finger Random Biometric Verification System) is Pakistan’s upgraded security system that prevents fake SIM registrations and protects your identity.

Evolution of Biometric Verification in Pakistan

Period	System	Details
Pre-2014	No verification	Rampant fake and duplicate SIMs; 140M+ active SIMs with minimal accountability
2014-2023	BVS (Single-finger)	Single fingerprint verification; reduced SIMs to 114M but could still be bypassed
Nov 2023+	MBVS (Multi-finger random)	Current system—much stronger security

How MBVS Works

Key features:

Random finger selection: System automatically picks two different fingers for each transaction—seller cannot pre-choose which fingers to scan
Silicon detection: Advanced sensors detect and reject fake or silicon fingerprints
Real-time NADRA verification: Instant online check against NADRA’s biometric database
Mandatory for all transactions: New SIM activation, duplicate SIM, ownership change, MNP, re-verification, and disowning

Why MBVS Matters for You

MBVS prevents:

Fake SIM registration using stolen CNIC copies
Duplicate SIM fraud where retailers create unauthorized duplicates
Mass activation fraud by dealers using forged documents
Identity theft at scale

PTA Safety Guidelines:

Never share your CNIC or give fingerprints casually
Collect your SIM immediately after biometric verification at the franchise
If the seller doesn’t hand over the SIM after verification, lodge a PTA complaint immediately—this is a red flag for fraud
Regularly check SIMs on your CNIC (via 668) to detect unauthorized registrations early

Why Are You Legally Responsible for SIMs on Your CNIC?

Under Pakistani law, the registered owner of a SIM is fully responsible for all activities conducted through that number—even if they didn’t personally use it.

Legal Framework

PTA regulations:

Every SIM must be registered against a valid CNIC with biometric verification
The person whose CNIC is used for registration is the legal owner
Legal owner is liable for any misuse, including fraud, harassment, scams, illegal money transfers, or terrorism activities

As per Customer Service Agreement Form (CSAF):

“The legal owner of the SIM/telephone subscription is responsible for all actions taken against the subject services.”

December 2025 PTA Warning

In response to rising mobile fraud cases, PTA issued an explicit warning in December 2025 stating:

Maximum of 5 voice SIMs and 3 data SIMs allowed per CNIC for personal use
SIM owners are responsible for illegal use of their registered numbers
Failure to secure your CNIC against unauthorized SIMs can result in legal consequences

Real-World Implications

If an unknown SIM registered on your CNIC is used for:

Financial fraud or bank account scams
Harassment, threats, or blackmail calls
Terrorism or criminal activities
SIM box fraud (illegal telecom bypass)

…you can be questioned, investigated, or even prosecuted unless you can prove:

The SIM was registered without your knowledge
You took immediate action to disown it after discovery
You filed complaints with authorities

This is why regular checking via 668 is not optional—it’s essential legal protection.

How Do Unknown SIMs Get Registered on Your CNIC?

Understanding how fraudsters register unauthorized SIMs helps you protect yourself from future incidents.

Common Fraud Methods

1. Duplicate SIM Fraud

Dishonest retailer takes a photocopy of your CNIC (for “record-keeping”)
Uses that copy to issue a duplicate or new SIM in your name
Pre-MBVS: Could bypass single-finger verification with recorded fingerprints
Post-MBVS: Much harder but still possible through corrupt franchise operators

2. Dealer Mass Activation Fraud

Before strict enforcement, some dealers activated hundreds of SIMs using fake or stolen CNICs
Motivated by commissions and activation bonuses
Most prevalent before 2014 BVS implementation

3. Stolen/Lost CNIC Exploitation

Someone finds or steals your CNIC
Uses it to register SIMs before you report the loss
Prevention: Immediately report lost CNICs to NADRA and block associated SIMs

4. Pre-2015 Lax Verification

Before biometric systems, verification was minimal or non-existent
Many fake SIMs were registered during this period
Even after BVS, some remained active until users manually disowned them

5. Biometric Bypass (Rare, Pre-MBVS)

Single-finger BVS could be fooled with silicon molds or copied fingerprints
MBVS’s random two-finger selection makes this nearly impossible now

How to Protect Yourself

Prevention strategies:

✅ Never share CNIC copies unnecessarily—if required, write “FOR [specific purpose] ONLY” across the copy
✅ Collect SIMs immediately after biometric verification at franchises
✅ Check your CNIC quarterly (every 3 months) via 668 or PTA website
✅ Report lost CNICs to NADRA immediately and check for unauthorized SIMs
✅ Use only official franchises—avoid unauthorized retailers or street vendors
✅ Monitor for unusual OTPs or account access attempts on your devices

If you notice suspicious SIM activity:

Check SIMs on your CNIC immediately (668 or website)
Disown unknown SIMs via MBVS at operator franchise
File complaint with FIA Cybercrime (1991) if fraud is confirmed
Monitor your bank accounts and change passwords

How Often Should You Check Your CNIC for SIMs?

You should check SIMs on your CNIC at least quarterly (every 3 months) to detect unauthorized registrations early.

Recommended Checking Schedule

Frequency	Method	Purpose
Quarterly (every 3 months)	PTA website (free)	Regular monitoring for unauthorized SIMs
Immediately after CNIC loss/theft	SMS 668 + website	Detect fraud quickly
Before international travel	Website check	Ensure no unexpected SIMs that could cause travel issues
If you notice unusual OTPs	Immediate 668 check	Investigate potential OTP fraud

Why Regular Checking Matters

Early detection benefits:

Stop fraud before it escalates – Catch unauthorized SIMs before they’re used for crimes
Easier disowning process – Remove SIMs before complex fraud chains develop
Legal protection – Demonstrate you were proactive if legal issues arise
Peace of mind – Know your identity is secure

Best Practice Workflow

Monthly (optional but recommended):

Quick SMS to 668 (costs ~PKR 2) to verify SIM count hasn’t changed

Quarterly (mandatory for security):

Full check via cnic.sims.pk (free, unlimited)
Screenshot results and save to cloud/email for records
Compare with previous quarter—if count increased without your action, investigate immediately

After any CNIC-related event:

Applied for passport, visa, or government documents
Visited mobile shops or franchises
Reported CNIC loss or got replacement

Set a calendar reminder: Most people forget to check regularly—set a recurring reminder every 3 months to build this habit.

FAQs

How do I check which SIM numbers are on my CNIC?

Send your 13-digit CNIC (without dashes) via SMS to 668 or visit cnic.sims.pk and enter your CNIC with CAPTCHA verification. You’ll see operator-wise SIM counts.

How many SIMs are allowed on one CNIC in Pakistan?

5 voice SIMs and 3 data-only SIMs for a total maximum of 8 SIMs per CNIC across all networks combined as of 2026.

What should I do if I find unknown SIMs on my CNIC?

Immediately visit the operator’s franchise with your original CNIC and 3 copies, request SIM disowning (not just blocking), complete MBVS biometric verification, and verify removal via 668 after 24-48 hours.

Can I remove SIMs from my CNIC online?

No. There is NO online system to remove SIMs from CNIC despite fake websites claiming otherwise. Official SIM disowning requires in-person biometric verification at the operator’s franchise.

What’s the difference between blocking and disowning a SIM?

Blocking temporarily suspends services but the SIM stays linked to your CNIC and may still receive OTPs. Disowning permanently removes the SIM from your CNIC through MBVS verification and eliminates your legal liability.

Am I responsible for SIMs registered on my CNIC that I didn’t buy?

Yes. Pakistani law holds the registered CNIC holder responsible for all activities on their SIMs, even unauthorized ones, until you officially disown them through proper channels.

How much does it cost to check SIMs via 668?

SMS to 668 costs PKR 2 + tax (approximately PKR 2.30 total) per message. The PTA website (cnic.sims.pk) offers free unlimited checks.

What is MBVS and why is it mandatory?

MBVS (Multi-finger Random Biometric Verification System) uses randomly selected two-finger scans verified against NADRA to prevent fake SIM registrations, duplicate fraud, and identity theft. It’s mandatory for all SIM transactions including disowning.

Final Recommendation: Check your CNIC for SIMs today using PTA’s official 668 system or website. If you find unknown numbers, disown them immediately through official operator franchises with MBVS verification to protect yourself from fraud and legal liability.

Rashid Minhas