If you own a mobile, chances are that the SIM that you are using may not be the only SIM registered under your name. PTA has introduced a new SIS (Sim Information System) to monitor the number of SIM’s issued under your NIC.
When I received a sms from my friend informing me of this system, I was too lazy to check it out. Then one day, I just did what he had asked me to do. Sent a sms to 668 with my NIC number without the dashes. I instantly got a reply that there were 23 SIM’s registered with my name and using my NIC. Astonished, I re-checked sending an sms again to the same number and the reply was the same again. 23 SIM’s! While I have only 4 SIM’s in my possession.
This may seem irrelevant in the beginning – SO WHAT?
But, in the time and place we are living, this may not be the case. You never know who would be using the other SIM’s that are actually having your ownership.
If you are wondering how this could be possible – the answer is quiet simple. You may have given your NIC for the first SIM that you purchased to any franchise of a telecom company. Now, to increase their sales it don’t matter to them what they do with your NIC. They are most likely to issue anyone a SIM if they do not have their NIC with them. They may use any from their record. This is exactly what I feel has happened with me.
Now, after you have received information about the number of SIM’s that are under your name, you may want to secure yourself by blocking the ones that are not in your possession. For this, unfortunately you will have to stand in long queues at various telecom franchises. Another advice is to collect a form that they initially give you and get it filled. The form usually asks for your information along with the SIM numbers that you have in your possession. The rest would be blocked automatically. After filling up this form attach a copy of your NIC along with it and submit it to your nearest telecom franchise. The biggest headache is that you may have to visit at least 2 or 3 franchises of different telecom companies to get yourself out of any unforeseen danger.
Do that rather than be sorry later!!
You can even check your record online. PTA has set up a site specially for this purpose.
It takes only a minute to be sure and safe!
A food lover, a sports follower, die-hard Prince fan and a technology geek, currently I am touring on my motorbike all over Pakistan exploring different cultures and meeting wonderful people along the way. If you would like to meet me when in your city, email me and maybe we could have a chat.
