A post circulating on social media has claimed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a notification warning that mobile phones would be blocked if users insert more than five SIMs in a single device.
The PTA has categorically refuted this claim, calling it false and misleading. The fake advisory alleged that if any user used more than five SIM cards in a mobile phone within a month, their IMEI would be blocked and network services suspended.
The rumor spread through a fabricated press release carrying the PTA logo, which stated:
“Dear Customer, as per PTA regulations, a maximum of five different SIMs can be used in one mobile phone within a month. If more than five SIMs are used, the mobile IMEI may be blocked and network services suspended.”
Rejecting the claim, PTA’s Director of Communications Zaib-un-Nisa clarified that no such advisory has been issued. She stressed that the viral message on social media is entirely baseless.
She further explained that PTA only monitors IMEI duplication and cloning, taking action where necessary. This includes blocking suspicious devices, conducting raids in collaboration with the FIA, and running public awareness campaigns.
