PTA Crackdown: Telecom Franchise Owner Arrested in Mianwali for Illegal SIM Issuance

On March 24, 2025, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a joint operation in Mianwali district, Punjab, targeting illegal SIM issuance. They raided a Ufone franchise and arrested its owner for allegedly issuing SIM cards illegally. During the operation, authorities seized 496 digital fingerprint impressions, Biometric Verification System devices, two scanners, and a laptop. This action is part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown to prevent the misuse of the Multi-Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) and curb illegal SIM activities.