In Pakistan, using a mobile phone without a properly registered SIM card is not just inconvenient—it’s against the rules set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Whether you’ve bought a new SIM or you’re reactivating an old one, the registration process is quick and easy if you follow the right steps.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to activate and register a SIM card number in Pakistan for all major networks including Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor, and SCOM. We’ll also show you how to check if your SIM is registered under your name and how to stay safe from fake or unverified numbers using TrueCallID—Pakistan’s best Caller ID app.
Why SIM Registration Is Important in Pakistan
Every SIM card in Pakistan must be registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). This rule helps stop illegal phone usage, identity theft, and fraud. When your SIM is registered, it means your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) is linked to your mobile number.
The main reasons why SIM registration is required include:
Security: It helps track criminal or fraudulent activity.
Identity Verification: Ensures that SIM cards are being used by their rightful owners.
Regulatory Compliance: PTA requires every telecom company to follow biometric verification rules.
Access to Services: Many services like online banking, mobile wallets, and e-commerce apps need verified SIMs to function.
If your SIM is not registered correctly, your mobile services can be blocked anytime by PTA.
Who Regulates SIM Card Registration in Pakistan?
The entire process is managed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). PTA works together with NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) and all mobile networks in Pakistan to keep records of SIM card ownership.
When you buy a new SIM, the vendor verifies your thumb impression through a Biometric Verification System (BVS) that is directly linked to NADRA. This ensures your identity matches your CNIC data.
Documents You Need for SIM Registration
Before registering your SIM card, make sure you have these documents ready:
Original CNIC – Your National ID card is the main proof of identity.
Thumb Verification – Biometric verification is mandatory for all users.
Proof of Address (in some cases) – Required if you are registering more than one SIM or for business purposes.
For foreign nationals, a passport and visa are required for SIM registration in Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a SIM Card in Pakistan
Let’s go through how you can register or activate a SIM card with each major mobile network in Pakistan.
1. Jazz SIM Registration
Jazz (Mobilink) is Pakistan’s largest telecom network. To activate a new Jazz SIM:
Step 1: Visit a nearby Jazz franchise or authorized retailer.
Step 2: Bring your original CNIC for biometric verification.
Step 3: The agent will scan your thumb and verify your data with NADRA.
Step 4: Once verified, you’ll receive a confirmation message on your phone.
Step 5: Insert the SIM in your phone and it will automatically activate within a few minutes.
If you bought a replacement SIM, call 111 for support or visit the nearest Jazz Service Center.
2. Zong SIM Registration
To activate a Zong 4G SIM card:
Step 1: Visit any Zong Customer Service Center or franchise.
Step 2: Provide your CNIC and complete biometric verification.
Step 3: Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
Step 4: Insert the SIM into your phone and restart the device.
To check whether your SIM is registered, dial *6622# or use Zong’s online SIM check service.
3. Ufone SIM Registration
To register a new Ufone SIM:
Step 1: Go to a Ufone franchise or authorized dealer.
Step 2: Provide your original CNIC and give a thumb impression for biometric verification.
Step 3: After verification, you’ll receive an SMS confirming activation.
Step 4: Restart your phone, and your SIM will be active.
You can verify your SIM by sending your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668.
4. Telenor SIM Registration
For Telenor Pakistan, here’s how you can activate a new SIM:
Step 1: Visit any Telenor franchise or retailer.
Step 2: Provide your CNIC and complete biometric verification.
Step 3: After verification, your SIM will be activated in a few minutes.
Step 4: You’ll receive a confirmation text.
To check SIM ownership, send your CNIC number to 668.
5. SCOM SIM Registration
For people living in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, SCOM (Special Communications Organization) provides telecom services.
To activate your SCOM SIM:
Step 1: Visit the nearest SCOM customer service center.
Step 2: Provide your CNIC for verification.
Step 3: Complete biometric verification on-site.
Step 4: Your SIM will be activated shortly.
For foreign visitors, bring your passport and visa copy for registration.
How to Check If Your SIM Card Is Registered Under Your CNIC
If you’re unsure whether your SIM is registered under your name, PTA offers an easy way to check:
Method 1: SMS Method
Send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668.
You’ll get a message listing all SIMs registered under your CNIC for every network.
Method 2: Online Method
Visit the official PTA SIM Information System and enter your CNIC number. The system will show you how many SIMs are active on your ID card.
SIM Ownership Verification with TrueCallID
Even if your SIM is properly registered, you might still get calls from unknown numbers. Some could be telemarketers or spam callers. To stay safe, you can use TrueCallID—Pakistan’s best Caller ID app.
TrueCallID lets you:
Instantly see the name and photo of the person calling you.
Identify unknown callers before you answer.
Block spam calls or report fake numbers.
Search any Pakistani number to know who owns it.
To discover, visit TrueCallID and explore free caller ID services for Pakistan. It’s a must-have tool for anyone who wants to stay safe and avoid scams.
How to Reactivate a Blocked or Inactive SIM Card
Sometimes, your SIM might get blocked or deactivated due to inactivity or PTA restrictions. Here’s how to reactivate it:
Visit your network’s service center with your CNIC.
Request re-verification through biometric verification.
If your SIM was inactive for over 90 days, you may need a replacement SIM.
Once verified, your SIM will be reactivated within 24 hours.
If it’s permanently deactivated, you’ll need to buy a new SIM and register it again under your CNIC.
How Many SIMs Can You Register on One CNIC?
PTA allows each person to register a maximum of 5 SIM cards under one CNIC (for all networks combined).
If you already have 5 active SIMs and need a new one:
You must block an old SIM before registering a new one.
To check how many SIMs are active on your CNIC, send your CNIC to 668.
This rule helps reduce misuse and keeps telecom records clean and transparent.
Common SIM Registration Problems and Their Solutions
Here are some common issues people face during SIM registration and how to fix them:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Biometric mismatch | Fingerprint not matching NADRA record | Visit NADRA to update fingerprints |
CNIC expired | Outdated ID card | Renew CNIC before SIM registration |
Already 5 SIMs active | Reached PTA limit | Block an old SIM using 668 |
Unverified retailer | Unauthorized shop | Always use PTA-approved franchises |
SIM blocked by PTA | Illegal use or misuse | Visit service center for verification |
Tips for Safe SIM Use in Pakistan
Keeping your SIM card safe protects your identity and privacy. Follow these tips:
Don’t share your SIM or CNIC with anyone.
Always buy SIMs from authorized franchises.
Use TrueCallID to verify unknown numbers before calling back.
Report lost or stolen SIMs immediately to your network provider.
Avoid fake SMS offers or links asking for your personal details.
How to Block a SIM Registered on Your CNIC
If someone else registered a SIM using your CNIC without your knowledge, you can block it:
Send your CNIC to 668 and check all active SIMs.
Identify the number you don’t own.
Visit the nearest franchise or service center of that network.
Request to block or remove the unauthorized SIM.
Keep the receipt or message confirmation for your records.
This helps prevent misuse of your ID and keeps your telecom record clean.
SIM Registration for Foreigners in Pakistan
Foreign nationals visiting Pakistan can also get SIM cards easily.
Here’s how:
Visit any mobile network franchise (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, or Telenor).
Bring your passport and valid visa.
Fill out the SIM registration form.
Get your photo and details verified.
The SIM will be active within 24 hours.
Usually, foreign visitors can register up to 2 SIM cards on one passport.
PTA Device and SIM Check (DIRBS)
The Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) by PTA ensures that all mobile phones used in Pakistan are registered and PTA-approved.
If your phone is not PTA-approved, your SIM might not work properly.
To check your device status:
Dial *8484#, or
Visit the PTA DIRBS website and enter your IMEI number.
Always make sure both your SIM and device are registered to avoid connectivity issues.
The Role of TrueCallID in Safer SIM Usage
In today’s world, spam and scam calls are a daily problem. Even if your SIM is officially registered, you might still get unwanted calls. That’s where TrueCallID becomes essential.
With TrueCallID, you can:
Instantly see who’s calling you, even if the number isn’t saved.
Avoid answering unknown or suspicious numbers.
Search any number in Pakistan’s caller ID database.
Keep your phone safe from fraud and spam.
It’s a powerful tool that helps you take control of your mobile communication.
Visit TrueCallID to discover more features and stay safe online.
To register your SIM card in Pakistan, visit the nearest franchise or authorized retailer of your mobile network (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor, or SCOM). Bring your original CNIC and complete biometric verification using your thumbprint. Once verified, your SIM will be activated within a few minutes.
You can easily check how many SIMs are registered under your CNIC by sending your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668. You’ll receive an SMS listing all active SIMs linked to your CNIC for each network.
If your SIM is blocked, visit your network’s customer service center with your CNIC and request re-verification through the biometric system. If your SIM has been inactive for a long time, you might need to get a replacement SIM. Once verified, it will be reactivated within 24 hours.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) allows you to register up to 5 SIM cards under one CNIC across all networks combined. If you already have 5 active SIMs, you’ll need to block one before registering a new one.
You can use TrueCallID, Pakistan’s best Caller ID app, to find the name and photo of the person calling you. It helps identify unknown numbers, block spam calls, and verify ownership information safely and instantly.
Final Thoughts
Activating or registering a SIM card in Pakistan is simple once you know the process. Whether you’re using Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor, or SCOM, the key steps are the same—bring your CNIC, verify your thumbprint, and confirm your SIM registration with PTA.
Once your SIM is active, don’t forget to check unknown numbers using TrueCallID to stay protected. It’s free, easy to use, and built specifically for Pakistani users.
Your mobile number is part of your digital identity—keep it verified, secure, and safe.