Tech Desk 
Aug 30, 2025
A fake notice is circulating on social media, falsely alleging that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will block their mobile phones if any user uses more than 5 SIM cards in a single device in 1 month.
The misleading message, adorned with the PTA logo, asserts that using more than one SIM card in a single device will result in an IMEI block.
However, the PTA set the record straight by denying any type of such directive, calling the viral claim “utterly baseless”.
In an official clarification, the telecom regulator clarified that it did not relay any advisory restricting the use of SIMs. The PTA added that their monitoring consisted of IMEI duplication and cloning, with action taking place if a suspicious device is identified.
It may involve blocking the device, the PTA's Enforcement sector working with the FIA to take enforcement action, and awareness campaigns for the public.
The PTA added that it has labelled the viral message as fake on its official social media platform. The PTA advised the general public and media to only use verified information from the official PTA Accounts website or social media account.
“The message shared on social media is completely erroneous,” PTA emphasised by cautioning the public about the disinformation policy put into place to specifically confuse mobile users.
This is not the first time fake advisories have been spread using official logos to mislead the public.
