ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive mobile SIMs, urging users to ensure their accounts remain associated with active mobile numbers that they currently use and can access.
According to PTA officials, the action follows an awareness campaign through which users were advised to keep their WhatsApp accounts linked to active mobile numbers under their control.
Stay alert! Scammers may pretend to be from PTA, banks, or courier services. Never share your personal details or click suspicious links. Report scams immediately via PTA’s complaint portal https://t.co/g5LmaQaUYH or CMS App.
#PTA #ScamAlert #StaySafeOnline #CyberSafety #DigitalSecurity #BewareOfScammers— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) October 23, 2026
Why Can Inactive SIMs Pose a Risk to WhatsApp Accounts?
According to the PTA, inactive or deactivated mobile numbers may be reassigned to other users by telecom operators in accordance with the applicable procedures. If this happens, a WhatsApp account linked to the former number could potentially be misused or accessed by someone who is not its original user.
The measure aims to reduce these potential risks and improve account security, particularly when a mobile number becomes inactive or is no longer used by its original owner.
What Should WhatsApp Users Do?
The authority has advised users to check the current status of their SIM cards and ensure that their WhatsApp accounts are linked to active mobile numbers that remain under their control.
Users who have changed their mobile numbers should use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature to transfer their accounts to their new, active numbers. This can help them maintain access to their accounts and reduce potential problems associated with their old numbers.
Taking timely action when changing a mobile number or discontinuing a SIM is important to help safeguard WhatsApp accounts and avoid unnecessary complications.
