Tech Desk 
Jan 19, 2026
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday introduced facilitative measures to prevent the blocking of mobile SIMs during their foreign stay in continuation of its commitment to serve the Pakistani diaspora.
PTA stated: "Under this action, subscribers may inform their respective service providers to avail this facility for a particular duration, subject to applicable charges.
"This initiative enables Pakistani citizens staying abroad to retain subscription to their mobile SIMs, ensuring uninterrupted access to mobile services through their respective service providers," added the telecom authority.
How to protect SIMs from blocking in Pakistan?
PTA added some guidelines for subscribers, which include:
Prepaid connections
Subscribers need to generate at least one activity, such as making a call, sending an SMS, using mobile data, or loading balance, within a period of 180 days to keep their connection in their name.
Postpaid connections
Subscribers should ensure timely payment of monthly line rent and any outstanding dues. Regular and on-time bill payments are sufficient to maintain the active status of the connection.
PTA said that subscribers are advised "to remain in regular contact with their respective service providers and strictly comply with applicable usage and payment requirements" to ensure uninterrupted mobile services.
