PTA Blocks 465 Mobile SIMs in Katcha Areas: Shaza 

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Islamabad:Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima informed the Senate on Thursday that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had blocked 465 SIMs used by dacoits in the Katcha areas of Sindh, including the districts of Shikarpur and Ghotki.

In response to a question from Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Fatima explained that mobile numbers, SIMs, IMEIs, and CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards) were blocked following instructions from the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate General of Inter Services Intelligence, and the Signals Directorate of General Headquarters.

She noted that in the year 2023-24, approximately 5,294 mobile SIMs, 4,507 IMEIs, and 113 CNICs were blocked and blacklisted. Additionally, warning notices were issued to 19,730 numbers for fraudulent communication.

Fatima also mentioned that mobile service had been suspended in certain areas of Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan due to security concerns.

She highlighted a significant reduction in grey traffic from outside Pakistan, down by up to 90 percent, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures.