📅 Last Updated: February 2026
(PTA procedures and SMS services may change — always confirm through official PTA sources if needed.)

Many people in Pakistan don’t know how many SIM cards are registered on their CNIC. Sometimes extra SIMs are issued without your knowledge, which can cause legal or security problems. PTA provides an easy method to check all SIMs linked to your CNIC using SMS code 668 and online services.

This guide explains everything in simple English with real Pakistani examples and easy steps.

✅ 1️⃣ What Is the 668 SIM Check Service?

668 is an official PTA SMS service that shows how many SIMs are registered against your CNIC on each network.

After sending your CNIC number to 668, you receive a reply showing:

• Jazz SIM count

• Zong SIM count

• Telenor SIM count

• Ufone SIM count

• Other operators (if any)

📌 Urdu Explanation:
668 par CNIC bhejne se pata chalta hai ke aap ke naam par kitni SIMs registered hain.

👥 2️⃣ Who Should Check SIMs on Their CNIC?

✔ Everyone using mobile SIMs
✔ People who lost old SIMs
✔ Job applicants needing SIM verification
✔ Overseas Pakistanis returning home
✔ Anyone receiving suspicious calls

Very important for:

• Students

• Freelancers

• Business owners

⚠️ 3️⃣ Why Checking SIMs Is Important

✔ Prevent fraud or illegal SIM usage
✔ Avoid legal problems
✔ Control maximum SIM limit
✔ Detect unknown SIM registrations
✔ Protect identity misuse

Pakistan usually allows up to 5 SIMs per network on one CNIC.

🗺️ 4️⃣ Province-Wise Reality

The process is same across Pakistan:

Punjab & Islamabad

• SMS service works quickly

• Many franchise centers for corrections

Sindh

• Karachi gets instant SMS replies

• Interior areas may have slight delays

KP

• Works normally but signal strength affects SMS delivery

Balochistan

• SMS may take longer in remote areas

• Better to try during strong network signal

💬 Roman Urdu Tip:
Agar SMS reply late aaye to dobara bhejne se pehle signal check karein.

🟢 5️⃣ Step-by-Step – How to Check SIMs Using 668

Method 1 – SMS Method (Most Popular)

1️⃣ Open phone SMS app
2️⃣ Type your CNIC number (without dashes)
👉 Example: 3520112345671
3️⃣ Send to 668
4️⃣ Wait for reply message
5️⃣ Read SIM count by network

📩 PTA charges a small SMS fee (approx Rs.2 + tax).

Method 2 – PTA Online Website

1️⃣ Open PTA SIM Information System website
2️⃣ Enter CNIC number
3️⃣ Complete captcha verification
4️⃣ View number of SIMs on each network

This method is free.

🏢 6️⃣ Offline Method – Franchise Visit

If you find unknown SIMs:

1️⃣ Visit official franchise (Jazz / Zong / Telenor / Ufone)
2️⃣ Take original CNIC
3️⃣ Ask staff to show registered numbers
4️⃣ Request SIM blocking or ownership transfer

Avoid small mobile shops — only official centers can process requests.

🚫 7️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Sending CNIC with dashes or spaces
❌ Sending from wrong SMS format
❌ Ignoring unknown SIMs
❌ Sharing CNIC number publicly
❌ Using someone else’s SIM

⚠️ 8️⃣ What If You See Unknown SIMs?

Step 1: Note the network name

Step 2: Visit that network’s franchise

Step 3: Request SIM block or closure

Step 4: Complete biometric verification

If fraud suspected:
👉 File complaint through PTA complaint system.

💸 9️⃣ Fees & Practical Information

💰 SMS check fee: approx Rs.2 + tax
💰 Franchise visit: usually free
💰 SIM closure: free
⏱️ SMS reply time:

• Usually within seconds

• May take longer in weak signal areas

⚠️ 🔟 Common Problems & Solutions

❌ No reply from 668

👉 Weak signal or wrong CNIC format
✅ Try again without dashes

❌ SMS failed

👉 Low balance
✅ Recharge small amount

❌ Unknown SIM found

👉 Visit franchise immediately

❌ SMS shows wrong SIM count

👉 Check through PTA website or franchise

❓ 1️⃣1️⃣ FAQs

Q1. Can I check SIMs without sending SMS?
Yes — use PTA SIM Information website.

Q2. Is 668 service safe?
Yes — official PTA service.

Q3. How many SIMs allowed per CNIC?
Usually up to 5 per network.

Q4. Can I block unknown SIM online?
Mostly requires franchise visit with biometric verification.

Q5. Does it show phone numbers?
No — only number of SIMs per network.

Q6. Can someone register SIM without my fingerprint?
Normally no — biometric verification required.

✅ Conclusion

Checking SIMs registered on your CNIC using 668 is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from fraud and illegal SIM usage in Pakistan. The process takes only a few seconds and can help you avoid serious legal problems.

Always:
✔ Check SIMs regularly
✔ Block unknown numbers immediately
✔ Keep your CNIC secure
✔ Visit official franchise for corrections

Regular SIM checks ensure your identity and mobile usage remain safe and under your control.