The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a fine of Rs77.8 million (Rs7.78 crore) on China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) for violating mandatory 100-meter geo-fencing regulations related to the sale of SIM cards through Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices.
According to the PTA, during a field inspection on March 30, 2026, a sales representative linked to CMPak’s Taxila franchise was found selling SIM cards in I-10 Markaz, Islamabad, outside the approved geographical area. The activity was also being carried out without the required door-to-door or kiosk approval.
The regulator stated that BVS devices must remain within 100 meters of the designated geo-location of an approved sales channel. SIM cards cannot be sold outside this boundary without prior permission from the PTA.
CMPak argued that the violation was an isolated operational error by a Distribution Sales Officer (DSO). The company said that all SIM cards had been activated only after successful biometric verification, that no fake or anonymous SIMs had been issued, and that NADRA verification remained valid.
The company also said it had taken corrective measures following the violation, including issuing a show-cause notice and warning to the relevant franchise, terminating the responsible DSO, and strengthening its internal monitoring mechanisms.
The PTA rejected CMPak’s defense, making it clear that biometric verification and geo-fencing are separate mandatory requirements. The operator is directly responsible for SIM sales conducted through its authorized sales network, while corrective measures taken afterward do not eliminate a violation that has already occurred.
The PTA said geo-fencing is an important security measure designed to ensure that SIM sales remain restricted to authorized locations, prevent unauthorized movement of BVS devices, and reduce the risk of illegal or untraceable SIMs.
After reviewing the show-cause notice, the company’s response, and the hearing, the authority held CMPak responsible under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, and imposed the fine.
CMPak has been ordered to pay the penalty within 10 days of receiving the order. Failure to do so could result in further action under the law.
