SIMs on Expired CNICs
In a major step toward improving national security and ensuring the integrity of digital identity systems, the Ministry of Interior has formally instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to begin deactivating all mobile SIM cards issued on invalid Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) in phases.SIMs on Expired CNICs
This directive follows a detailed recommendation from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which has identified millions of SIMs registered against CNICs that are no longer valid due to one of the following reasons:
- The cardholder did not renew their expired CNIC.
- NADRA officially cancelled the CNIC.
- Authorities impounded the CNIC due to legal or administrative actions.
- Authorities declared the cardholder deceased.
The Ministry of Interior has issued an official communication to the PTA, confirming that NADRA has provided a complete database of these CNICs. This includes the personal identification details, linked SIM information, and a deactivation timeline for each category of invalid CNICs.
Authorities will carry out the blocking process in multiple phases, giving affected individuals enough time to update their records or take necessary corrective action before permanent deactivation. SIMs on Expired. The goal is to eliminate the use of unverified or potentially fraudulent SIMs that pose a risk to national security, law enforcement, and public safety.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline digital identity verification, combat illegal SIM usage, and ensure that only legally verified individuals have access to mobile communication services in Pakistan.SIMs on Expired CNICs.
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SIM Deactivation Schedule Announced for Expired CNICs: Starts June 30, 2025
Authorities will begin the phased deactivation process on June 30, 2025, starting with mobile SIMs registered against CNICs that expired in 2017.
Each subsequent month will target a new batch of expired CNICs as follows:
- July 31, 2025 – SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2018
- August 31, 2025 – SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2019
- September 30, 2025 – SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2020
- October 31, 2025 – SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2021
- November 30, 2025 – SIMs linked to CNICs expired in 2022
- December 31, 2025 – Final phase covering SIMs registered on CNICs expired in 2023, 2024, and 2025
This month-by-month schedule provides a structured and manageable timeline for telecom operators to implement the deactivations and for users to renew their expired CNICs to avoid disruption in service.
Over 4.9 Million SIMs at Risk Due to Unrenewed CNICs
According to data from NADRA, officials have identified a total of 4,906,611 CNICs as invalid for various reasons. These identity card holders have either failed to renew their CNICs or their families have not officially declared them deceased. To address this issue, authorities have started deactivating mobile SIMs linked to these CNICs as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the digital identity system and ensure accurate national records.
- Strengthen national security
- Prevent misuse of mobile networks through inactive or fraudulent identities
- Safeguard the integrity of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem
- The government strongly urges citizens to promptly renew their expired CNICs to avoid disruption in mobile services and stay valid in the national identity registry.
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FAQs
1. Why are SIMs being deactivated based on CNIC status?
To improve national security, prevent misuse of mobile networks, and maintain a verified digital identity system, the government is deactivating SIMs registered on expired, cancelled, impounded, or deceased CNICs.
2. When will the SIM deactivation process begin?
The phased deactivation process will begin on June 30, 2025, starting with CNICs that expired in 2017.
3. What is the complete schedule for SIM deactivation?
Here is the month-wise breakdown:
- June 30: CNICs expired in 2017
- July 31: CNICs expired in 2018
- August 31: CNICs expired in 2019
- September 30: CNICs expired in 2020
- October 31: CNICs expired in 2021
- November 30: CNICs expired in 2022
- December 31: CNICs expired in 2023–2025
4. How many SIMs are expected to be affected?
According to NADRA data, over 4.9 million SIMs face deactivation because they are linked to unrenewed or invalid CNICs.
5. How can I check if my SIM is registered on a valid CNIC?
You can verify your SIM information by using PTA’s SIM Information System by visiting cnic.sims.pk or by sending your CNIC number via SMS to 668.
6. What should I do if my CNIC has expired?
You must renew your CNIC at NADRA as soon as possible to avoid SIM deactivation and maintain uninterrupted mobile services.
7. Will I be notified before my SIM is deactivated?
Telecom operators will send prior notifications via SMS to users whose SIMs are at risk of deactivation.
8. Will this affect SIMs of deceased persons?
Yes. Authorities will also deactivate SIMs linked to CNICs of deceased individuals if users have not already reported them. Families should report the death to NADRA promptly.
9. Can I get my SIM reactivated after deactivation?
Only if you renew your CNIC or correct your identity status with NADRA, you may then request SIM reactivation from your service provider (subject to biometric verification).
10. Is this policy permanent?
Yes. Here is the sentence with passive voice removed: As part of the national digital identity reform, authorities will now accept only valid and active CNICs for SIM registration.
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