In a decisive move to safeguard Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), has intensified enforcement against IMEI tampering and illegal SIM issuance.

In two major operations, PTA and NCCIA carried out targeted raids in Hyderabad and Karachi. The PTA Zonal Office Karachi, along with NCCIA Hyderabad, raided a mobile repair shop in Chirag Complex, Unit 8, Latifabad, Hyderabad, where they discovered a desktop computer and specialized software used for IMEI cloning. Two suspects were arrested on-site and taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

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In a separate operation, triggered by a formal complaint from PTA Karachi, the NCCIA conducted a raid on a telecom franchise near Kiran/Memon Hospital in Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33, Karachi. The franchise was allegedly involved in the unlawful issuance of SIM cards. Authorities confiscated suspected devices, and two individuals, including the branch manager, were detained. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway.

The PTA emphasized that such operations will continue to protect users and maintain the security of telecom networks.