How to Check SIM Ownership & Block SIMs in Pakistan (PTA Guide 2025)
(Updated 18 August 2025 | Official PTA Methods for SIM Verification, Blocking & Device Security)
Part 1: Check SIMs Registered Under Your CNIC
Method 1: SMS to 668 (Instant)
- Compose SMS: Type your 13-digit CNIC (without dashes, e.g., 4220112345678).
- Send to 668: Cost: ₨ 2 + tax [3][5].
- Receive Details: Reply lists all active SIMs, operators, and registration dates.
Method 2: PTA Website (Detailed Report)
- Visit
cnic.sims.pk
[7][11]. - Enter CNIC + solve CAPTCHA.
- View table showing:
- Mobile numbers linked to your CNIC
- Network operators (Jazz/Zong/Ufone/Telenor)
- Biometric verification status
- Registration status (active/inactive) [11].
Method 3: MyPTA App
- Download MyPTA (Google Play/App Store).
- Register with CNIC + mobile number.
- Access real-time SIM details [3].
Part 2: Block Unauthorized or Lost SIMs
Step 1: Block via Mobile Operator
- Visit Franchise: Carry original CNIC + copies to operator’s outlet (Jazz/Telenor/Zong/Ufone) [11].
- Submit Form: Request immediate blocking of unauthorized SIMs.
- Helpline Support:
| Operator | Helpline | |----------|--------------| | Jazz | 111/321 | | Zong | 310 | | Ufone | 333 | | Telenor | 345 | Source: [11]
Step 2: Report to PTA (If Operator Fails)
- Online Complaint: Go to PTA Complaint Portal → Submit FIR copy + operator response.
- Email: Send evidence to
[email protected]
[7][11].
Critical 2025 Deadlines
- Deceased Users: SIMs under expired CNICs blocked after 15 Sept 2025 (submit death certificate to transfer ownership) [12][15].
- Expired CNICs: Renew by 2 Sept 2025 to avoid blocking [15].
Part 3: Block Stolen/Lost Phones via DIRBS
Method 1: PTA DIRBS Portal
- Visit
dirbs.pta.gov.pk
→ "Block Lost/Stolen Device". - Enter device IMEI (dial *#06# to find IMEI) [6][11].
Method 2: PTA CMS App
- Install PTA CMS (Device Blocking App).
- Log in → Enter IMEI + police report copy.
- Track blocking status via SMS alerts [6].
Note: Blocked phones cannot be used on any Pakistani network.
Critical 2025 Security Updates
- Biometric Verification Mandatory: All SIMs require NADRA biometric verification [11][15].
- SIM Limit: Max 5 SIMs/CNIC [11].
- Deceased User Cleanup: 163,200+ illegal SIMs blocked since June 2025 [12].
- Third-Party App Warning: Avoid unofficial "SIM owner detail" apps—PTA does not endorse them [9][13].
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
| Issue | Solution | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | "SMS to 668 failed" | Ensure no dashes in CNIC; retry after 30 mins [5]. | | "cnic.sims.pk not loading" | Use Chrome/Firefox; disable VPN [11]. | | "IMEI blocking rejected" | Submit police FIR copy via PTA CMS app [6]. | | "SIM still active after blocking" | Escalate to PTA via helpline 0800-55055 [7]. |
Prevent Fraud:
- Verify unknown numbers by texting
MNP
to667
(free) [13]. - Check SIMs monthly via
668
to detect unauthorized registrations early [5].
One-Screen Cheat Sheet
- Check SIMs:
- SMS
<13-digit CNIC>
to 668 - OR visit cnic.sims.pk
- SMS
- Block SIM:
- Visit operator franchise with CNIC
- OR email PTA with FIR copy
- Block Phone:
- DIRBS portal + enter IMEI
- OR use PTA CMS app
- Deadlines:
- Renew CNIC by 2 Sept 2025
- Transfer deceased SIMs by 15 Sept 2025
"Your SIM is your digital fingerprint—guard it like your CNIC."
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