PTA issues SOP for SIMs verification of Overseas Pakistanis, Old Age and Disabled Individuals

The first phase of biometric verification of SIMs has been completed on 26^th February. Telecom Operators have now started to block unverified SIMs on CNICs with more than two registered SIMs. As per directive of PTA, the 2^nd phase has been initiated and will be completed by 13^th April. During the Phase II, individuals with two SIMs registered on their CNICs can undergo SIMs verification. Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has just issued SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for SIMs verification of overseas residents, old age and disabled individuals.

All such Pakistanis need to verify their SIMs during the Phase II. Otherwise, their SIMs will be blocked after 13^th April. So, how can such individuals verify their SIMs? Well, here are the instructions as mentioned at the SOP issued.

SIMs verification of Overseas Pakistanis:

The SOP is divided in to two separate cases for Overseas Pakistanis.

• For individuals whose SIMs are in Pakistan, they need to change ownership of their SIMs to a blood relation living in Pakistan. The blood relative need to bring the SIM to respective franchise/service center with request for change in ownership along with a proof of relationship with the owner.
• For individuals whom are using their SIMs on International Roaming, they will be temporarily verified via USSD code or any other method. The temporary verification will include taking information such as CNIC, mother’s name and place of birth etc. This is to assess the authenticity of the subscriber. After preliminary verification, the number will be tagged as ‘Temporarily Verified’. Once, the individual returns to Pakistan, he/she need to undergo biometric verification. A deadline of 31^st March 2016 is fixed for all such SIMs verification. If you are currently abroad and are not using the SIM on International Roaming, make it active now to undertake preliminary SIMs verification. This facility does not apply for SIMs operating in Afghanistan.

SIMs verification of Old Age and Disabled:

The SIMs verification for such individuals will be completed in two phases i.e. Primary Verification which will be carried out by telecom operators and Secondary Verification which will be done by NADRA. During Primary Verification, the individuals whom can’t undergo fingerprint verification (because either they are old or are disabled) need to present their CNICs and MSISDNs in front of CMO. They require to answer the secret questions (mother’s name/place of birth). Once verified, they will be marked as ‘verified customers’.

The credentials will be sent to NADRA for Secondary Verification. NADRA will verify the credentials whether are correct or not. In case of any ambiguity, a SMS will be sent to individuals to visit NADRA office. Once the ambiguity ends, the individual will visit the concerned CMO to update the information.

PTA has ordered telecom operators to strictly follow its directives regarding the Phase II of SIMs verification. If they fail to do so, it will be sole responsibility of respective telecom operator.

If you are having any queries regarding your SIMs verification, you can ask in comments section below.