📅 Last Updated: February 2026
(PTA rules, biometric systems, and telecom procedures may change. Always confirm with official network franchises or PTA helpline.)

Many Pakistanis discover extra SIMs registered on their CNIC without their knowledge. These unknown SIMs can create serious legal problems if used for fraud, illegal calls, or scams. The good news is that blocking extra SIMs in Pakistan is a simple process if you follow the correct steps.

This guide explains everything in simple English, with real Pakistani examples, province-wise notes, practical tips, and solutions to common problems.

📱 1️⃣ What Does “Blocking Extra SIMs” Mean?

Blocking extra SIMs means:

• Permanently closing SIM cards registered on your CNIC that you don’t use or don’t recognize.

• Removing unauthorized SIM ownership from your identity.

📌 Example:
You check SIMs using 668 and see:

• Jazz: 4 SIMs

• Zong: 3 SIMs
  But you only use 1 Jazz SIM — the rest should be blocked.

Urdu Explanation:
Agar aap ke naam par zyada SIMs registered hain to unko band karwana “SIM block” kehlata hai.

👥 2️⃣ Who Should Block Extra SIMs?

✔ Anyone who lost old SIM cards
✔ People who changed numbers frequently
✔ Users who see unknown SIMs on CNIC
✔ Job seekers needing clean SIM records
✔ Freelancers & business users
✔ Overseas Pakistanis returning home

Very important if:

• You receive unknown OTP messages

• Strange calls linked to your CNIC

• PTA SMS warnings

⚠️ 3️⃣ Why Blocking Extra SIMs Is Important

✔ Prevent identity misuse
✔ Avoid police/legal trouble
✔ Reduce fraud risks
✔ Stay within PTA SIM limits
✔ Protect banking & WhatsApp accounts

Pakistan allows:
👉 Up to 5 SIMs per network on one CNIC.

🗺️ 4️⃣ Province-Wise Process Reality

The main process is same nationwide but practical differences exist.

Punjab & Islamabad

• Many official franchises available

• Fast biometric systems

• Same-day blocking common

Sindh

• Karachi has large service centers

• Interior Sindh may require city visit

KP

• Works smoothly in major cities

• Rural areas may have biometric delays

Balochistan

• Limited franchise locations

• Visit main city offices for faster processing

💬 Roman Urdu Tip:
Chhote shehron mein kabhi system slow hota hai — subah jaldi jana behtar hota hai.

🔎 5️⃣ Step-by-Step – Check SIMs Before Blocking

Before blocking, first check how many SIMs are registered.

Method 1 – SMS (668)

1️⃣ Open SMS app
2️⃣ Type CNIC without dashes
3️⃣ Send to 668
4️⃣ Receive SIM count by network

Small SMS fee applies.

Method 2 – PTA Online System

1️⃣ Open PTA SIM Information website
2️⃣ Enter CNIC number
3️⃣ Complete captcha
4️⃣ View SIM counts

Free method.

🏢 6️⃣ Step-by-Step – How to Block Extra SIMs (Main Method)

👉 Blocking requires visiting official telecom franchises.

Step 1 – Identify Network

Note which network has extra SIMs:

• Jazz

• Zong

• Telenor

• Ufone

Step 2 – Visit Official Franchise

Go only to:
✔ Official service centers
❌ Avoid small mobile shops

Step 3 – Take Required Documents

• Original CNIC

• Active SIM for verification (if possible)

Step 4 – Request SIM List

Ask staff:
👉 “Mere CNIC par registered tamam SIMs check karein.”

Step 5 – Select SIMs to Block

Tell them which numbers:

• Unknown

• Lost

• Not used

Step 6 – Biometric Verification

Place fingerprint on scanner.

Step 7 – SIM Blocking Confirmation

Staff blocks SIM instantly.

🌐 7️⃣ Online Blocking – Is It Possible?

Currently in Pakistan:
❌ Full SIM blocking usually cannot be done online.

Reason:

• PTA requires biometric fingerprint verification.

However you can:
✔ Check SIM counts online
✔ File PTA complaints online

📊 8️⃣ Quick Network Comparison (Blocking Process)

💸 9️⃣ Fees, Time & Practical Info

💰 SIM Blocking Fee: Usually Free
💰 Franchise Service: Free
⏱️ Processing Time:

• Immediate to 30 minutes

• Rural areas may take longer

🚫 🔟 How to Avoid Extra Balance or Data Issues

After blocking SIMs:

✔ Remove SIM from phone
✔ Disable auto-billing services
✔ Cancel old packages
✔ Remove SIM from banking apps
✔ Logout WhatsApp from old numbers

Roman Urdu Tip:
Purani SIM se WhatsApp logout karna zaroori hai warna OTP issues ho sakte hain.

⚠️ 1️⃣1️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Ignoring unknown SIMs
❌ Waiting too long to block
❌ Visiting unauthorized shops
❌ Sharing fingerprint casually
❌ Forgetting old business numbers

🆘 1️⃣2️⃣ What If This Fails? (Real Problems & Solutions)

❌ Franchise refuses to block SIM

👉 Visit main service center

❌ Biometric fingerprint fails

👉 Try another finger
👉 Visit NADRA to update biometrics

❌ SIM already used in crime

👉 File PTA complaint immediately

❌ Staff says SIM active but unknown

👉 Request ownership removal

❌ System offline

👉 Visit next day or different branch

📞 1️⃣3️⃣ PTA Complaint Method (If Needed)

1️⃣ Open PTA complaint website
2️⃣ Select telecom complaint
3️⃣ Enter CNIC & details
4️⃣ Upload screenshots
5️⃣ Submit request

PTA usually responds within a few days.

❓ 1️⃣4️⃣ FAQs

Q1. Can I block SIM without visiting franchise?
Mostly no — biometric verification required.

Q2. Is SIM blocking free?
Yes — usually no charges.

Q3. How long does blocking take?
Often same day.

Q4. Can I block only one SIM?
Yes — you choose specific numbers.

Q5. Will blocked SIM work again?
No — unless reissued by network.

Q6. What if SIM is registered but not mine?
Visit franchise and request removal immediately.

✅ Conclusion

Blocking extra SIMs on your CNIC is essential to protect your identity and avoid serious legal risks in Pakistan. The process is simple: check SIMs through 668 or PTA website, visit the official network franchise, complete biometric verification, and block unused or unknown numbers.

Always remember:
✔ Regularly check SIMs on your CNIC
✔ Block unused numbers quickly
✔ Use only official telecom centers
✔ Keep your CNIC and fingerprint secure

Taking a few minutes to manage your SIM records can prevent major problems in the future and keep your mobile identity safe.