PTA and NCCIA seized 600 active SIMs and 75 mobile phones during a raid targeting an illegal mobile balance recharging operation in Gilgit.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have conducted a joint raid against an illegal setup allegedly involved in recharging mobile accounts through illegally issued SIMs in Gilgit.
The operation was carried out by the PTA’s Zonal Office Gilgit in coordination with the NCCIA Gilgit at residential premises located behind NLI Market.
According to the PTA, the action followed information about the misuse of SIMs for remotely recharging mobile accounts to exploit the tax-exempt status of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Authorities said the illegal activity undermines the regulatory framework governing the issuance and use of SIMs and can cause significant revenue losses to the government and public exchequer.
During the raid, one suspect was apprehended. Officials also recovered and took into custody 75 mobile phones and 600 active SIMs as evidence.
The NCCIA has registered a first information report (FIR) and is conducting further investigations in accordance with the law.
The operation is part of the PTA’s ongoing efforts, in coordination with relevant law enforcement agencies, to prevent the illegal issuance and misuse of SIMs and address activities linked to tax evasion.
The telecom regulator said it remains committed to taking strict action against individuals and entities involved in unlawful telecom activities and protecting the integrity of Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure.
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