⚠️ SIM Not Registered on CNIC – What to Do (Pakistan Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

📅 Last Updated: February 2026
(PTA rules and telecom procedures may change — always confirm through official franchise or PTA helpline.)

Many Pakistanis face the issue where their SIM suddenly shows “Not Registered”, “Unverified SIM”, or stops working for calls, SMS, or internet. This usually happens because the SIM is not properly linked to your CNIC or biometric verification failed.

This guide explains why this happens, how to fix it step-by-step, province-wise realities, real-world problems, and practical solutions — in simple English with helpful Pakistani examples.

📱 1️⃣ What Does “SIM Not Registered on CNIC” Mean?

It means your SIM:

Is not verified with your CNIC

Has biometric mismatch

Is registered under someone else’s CNIC

Has been blocked by PTA

Common phone messages:

“SIM not registered”

“No service”

“SIM invalid”

“SIM verification failed”

📌 Urdu Explanation:
SIM agar CNIC par properly verify na ho to network band ho jata hai.

👥 2️⃣ Who Faces This Problem Most?

✔ People using very old SIM cards
✔ Users who bought SIM from shops without biometric
✔ Overseas Pakistanis returning home
✔ People who changed CNIC details
✔ SIMs borrowed from friends/family
✔ Users after PTA SIM verification campaigns

⚠️ 3️⃣ Main Reasons Why SIM Is Not Registered
🧾 Biometric Not Verified

Fingerprint not matched during activation.

👤 SIM Registered on Another CNIC

You are using someone else’s SIM.

🔒 PTA Blocked SIM

Due to suspicious activity or incomplete verification.

🪪 CNIC Expired

Telecom companies may suspend services.

📵 Long Inactive SIM

SIM not used for months.

🔄 System Update Issues

Network database errors.

🗺️ 4️⃣ Province-Wise Practical Differences
Punjab & Islamabad

Fast biometric systems

Multiple franchise centers

Sindh

Karachi has advanced service centers

Interior areas may require city visit

KP

Biometric sometimes fails due to fingerprint quality

NADRA biometric update may be needed

Balochistan

Fewer franchises

Major cities like Quetta offer faster service

💬 Roman Urdu Tip:
Remote areas mein kabhi system offline hota hai — shehri center par jana behtar hota hai.

🛠️ 5️⃣ Step-by-Step – How to Fix SIM Not Registered Problem
Step 1 – Check SIM Registration Status

Send CNIC (without dashes) to 668
or use PTA SIM Information website.

Step 2 – Confirm Ownership

Make sure SIM is registered on your own CNIC.

Step 3 – Visit Official Franchise

Go to:

Jazz Service Center

Zong Customer Center

Telenor Franchise

Ufone Service Center

Avoid small mobile shops.

Step 4 – Take Required Documents

Original CNIC

SIM card

Active phone

Step 5 – Request Re-Verification

Tell staff:
👉 “Meri SIM verify nahi ho rahi — biometric dobara karein.”

Step 6 – Provide Fingerprint

Biometric scan required.

Step 7 – SIM Reactivation

SIM usually starts working within minutes or a few hours.

🌐 6️⃣ Online Method – Limited Support

Online methods can:
✔ Check SIM count
✔ File PTA complaint

But cannot:
❌ Complete biometric verification
❌ Fully reactivate blocked SIM

Physical visit is usually required.

🏢 7️⃣ Offline Method – Main Solution

Visit official telecom center.

Services available:

SIM ownership verification

Biometric re-registration

SIM reactivation

Ownership transfer (if needed)

💸 8️⃣ Fees, Time & Practical Info

💰 SIM re-verification: Usually Free
💰 Ownership transfer: Small fee may apply
⏱️ Processing time:

Immediate to 24 hours

Rural areas may take longer

🚫 9️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Buying SIM from unauthorized shops
❌ Using someone else’s SIM long-term
❌ Ignoring PTA warning messages
❌ Not updating expired CNIC
❌ Waiting too long after SIM stops working

🆘 🔟 What If This Fails? (Real Problems & Solutions)
❌ Biometric Fingerprint Fails

👉 Visit NADRA for biometric update

❌ SIM Registered on Someone Else

👉 Request ownership transfer

❌ Franchise Cannot Find SIM

👉 Visit main city service center

❌ SIM Permanently Blocked

👉 Apply for replacement SIM

❌ CNIC Expired

👉 Renew CNIC first, then re-verify SIM

🔄 1️⃣1️⃣ Special Cases
📦 Old Family SIMs

Often registered on parents’ CNIC — transfer ownership.

✈️ Overseas Pakistanis

SIM inactive due to long absence — re-verify biometric.

🧓 Elderly Users

Fingerprint issues common — NADRA biometric update helps.

📞 1️⃣2️⃣ When to Contact PTA

Contact PTA if:

Network refuses to reactivate SIM

SIM shows wrong CNIC ownership

Fraud suspected

Submit complaint online through PTA complaint portal.

❓ 1️⃣3️⃣ FAQs

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

Q2. Is SIM reactivation free?
Usually yes.

Q3. How long does reactivation take?
Minutes to a few hours.

Q4. Can I keep using SIM on someone else’s CNIC?
Not recommended — legal risks.

Q5. What if fingerprint doesn’t match?
Update biometrics at NADRA.

Q6. Can PTA permanently block SIM?
Yes — in fraud or illegal use cases.

✅ Conclusion

If your SIM is not registered on your CNIC in Pakistan, don’t panic — the issue is usually easy to fix through biometric re-verification at an official telecom franchise. Always ensure your SIM is registered under your own CNIC, keep your CNIC updated, and respond quickly to PTA warnings.

Key reminders:
✔ Check SIM status using 668
✔ Visit official franchise for biometric verification
✔ Avoid using SIMs on other people’s CNIC
✔ Update NADRA biometrics if fingerprints fail

Taking quick action ensures your SIM stays active, secure, and legally registered under your name.