ISLAMABAD ( ABRAR MUSTAFA )
The issue between the Interior Ministry and Telcos regarding the re-verification of all prepaid SIMs is now coming to decision.
In a high level meeting between Interior Minister and Telcos, the Government has shown positive attitude over the time constaints that were expressed by the telcos. Telecom companies, PTA and MOIT Officers all agreed with Ch. Nisar Ali Khan that the process of SIM Verification will start from mid-January and will be completed by the end of July 2014. In this regard, PTA has been adviced by Ch. Nisar Ali Khan to chalk out a schedule with Telcos and present it to the Minister.
In a high level meeting chaired by Interior Minister, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan today SIM verification issue was discussed with telcos. In the aftermath of the Peshawar tragedy, the government has been pressurizing the telcos to re-verify all prepaid SIMs in the country. Though the telcos have shown their positive response and their cooperation in this matter there were still big gaps between the two parties.
More than 14 million mobile SIMs have been deactivated by cellular industry in the month of November & December 2014.
All five cellular operators including Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, Warid and Zong have deactivated 14 million mobile SIMs that were dormant. After Peshawar Massacre, telecom industry has sped up its efforts for dealing with ghost SIMs in different phases.