Tech Desk 
Apr 16, 2025
As part of its efforts to counter digital fraud, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, has conducted raids targeting illegal SIM issuance in Quetta and Gujrat.
The operation to bust down illegal SIM card sellers in Quetta was carried out at a telecom franchise inside the Engineering Building on Zarghoon Road.
Led by PTA and supported by FIA officials, the raid resulted in the arrest of franchise owner Usman Ahmed. Authorities seized desktop computers, biometric verification system (BVS) devices, and numerous SIM cards used in unauthorised sales.
On another occassion, PTA’s Zonal Office Lahore and FIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC) Gujranwala raided a telecom franchise on Bhimber Road, Gujrat.
Leading to the successful arrest of the franchise owner, the operation was conducted upon a complaint from a Karachi resident, bringing to light some serious irregularities.
Investigators found that 433 SIMs had been illegally issued on Sindh-based CNICs, with 57 activated using just one BVS device.
