How to Check the Number of Mobile SIMs Issued Against Your CNIC
Being a Pakistani citizen you are allowed only 5 cellular SIMs cards simultaneously to use as per Pakistan Telecommunication Authority ( PTA) rule.
Earlier in 2000, when cellular phones became popular in the country, people move to use the phones and were using as many SIMs as they can. There was no proper system to register a SIM and wrongful use came into the country. Many unregistered SIMs were used in illegal activities.
To overcome this issue PTA introduced an advanced SIM information System in 2009. Through this system a digital record of the issued SIMs maintain. A user can check the total sim issued against his ID through his CNIC number. And if the user found any SIM in his name but not in his use, he can visit the nearest branch of the SIM-issued company and can block it.
If you are unaware of how to check SIMs status against your CNIC and about that how many SIMs maximum an individual can take, then you are landed on the right page. We will explain here step by step to check the total number of SIMs issued against your CNIC.
How many maximum SIMs can be Registered against one CNIC?
According to the PTA law and regulations, an individual can have a maximum of five SIM cards against his CNIC. He cannot get the new SIM if he already reached the limit. In this case, you must block one SIM card from your existing active cards and can apply for a new one.
How to check the number of active SIMs issued against the CNIC?
There are two ways to check the status of active SIMs against your CNIC.
- Through SMS
To check the number of SIMs against your CNIC, check through SMS. Follow the below steps
- In the text message icon, type your CNIC number without dashes
- Send this message to “668”.
- Soon you will receive a message with full details of the SIMs registered against your CNIC. Note down and verify whether all active SIMs are in your use.
- The SMS will charge you PKR 2+ tax.
2. Through Website
- Go through the PTA SIM Information portal cnic. sims.pk
- You will redirect to the following screen. Enter your CNIC ( without dashes) and submit it.
- Complete detail about your SIMs on your name will appear in tabular form.
- Cross-verify the data against your active SIMs in your use.
PTA BVS System ( Biometric Verification System)
Biometric verification system known as in short form BVS is a PTA major step to monitor the safety of cellular subscribers. Without your biometric verification, no one can take a new SIM by using your CNIC. Through this system, you can easily obtain a duplicate SIM , re-verify your SIM card, and Change the ownership of a SIM card previously registered under someone else’s CNIC.
Check the name of the SIM owner
If you want to find out the name of the SIM owner, follow the same process as mentioned above ( SIMs details through SMS method). Send your CNIC via SMS to “667”.You will soon receive a reply text message that shows the name of the SIM owner.
How to block a SIM card registered against your CNIC?
If you are not using more than one SIM, or you just want to get rid off from extra SIMs registered in your name, simply block them. Follow the below steps to block and dispose extra SIMs.
- Visit the nearest branch or franchise of the relevant cellular company.
- Meet with customer services representative and request to block the SIM
- You must provide your original CNIC to the CSR.
- He will block the SIM immediately.
- Dispose of the SIM once blocked and re-check the status of active SIMs on your name again.
Not that use of SIM on your name in any illegal activities or crime will come with consequences. Whether someone else uses it but you will be responsible for any illegal activity done through SIM registered in your name.
