How Many SIMs Are Allowed on One CNIC? A Detailed Guide

February 4, 2025 Mahi Bukhari

Introduction

In Pakistan, the regulation of SIM card registration is closely tied to the country’s national security and telecommunications system. All SIM cards are linked to the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The government and telecom authorities aim to control the number of SIM cards registered under each CNIC to prevent illegal activities, misuse, and fraud.

This article explores how many SIM cards can be legally registered to a single CNIC, the rules governing SIM registration, and the implications for individuals. Additionally, we will cover the process for checking the number of SIMs registered under your CNIC and address common questions related to this topic.

H1: How Many SIM Cards Can Be Registered on One CNIC?

The Pakistani government has set a limit on the number of SIM cards that can be registered under a single CNIC to maintain better control and reduce the chances of misuse. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), each CNIC can be linked to a specific number of SIM cards from each network provider.

H2: Legal Limit of SIM Cards per CNIC

Under the current rules, an individual can register up to five SIM cards per network provider on a single CNIC. This means that if you use multiple telecom providers, you can register five SIM cards per provider. For example, you can have five SIM cards from Mobilink (Jazz), five from Telenor, five from Zong, and five from Ufone, making the total possible number of SIM cards per CNIC 20.

However, this limit does not apply to international SIM cards or other types of non-Pakistani telecom services. The regulation is designed to curb the misuse of SIM cards and ensure transparency within the telecom sector.

H2: Why is There a Limit on SIM Cards per CNIC?

The primary reason for limiting the number of SIM cards linked to each CNIC is to combat fraud, terrorism, and other illegal activities. There have been instances where multiple SIM cards were used to carry out illegal activities, making it difficult for authorities to trace the perpetrators.

By limiting the number of SIM cards per CNIC, the government can more easily monitor and track telecommunications activities. This helps improve public safety and ensures that each SIM is traceable to an individual.

H2: How to Check How Many SIMs Are Registered Under Your CNIC?

It is essential to keep track of how many SIM cards are registered under your CNIC to avoid fraud or misuse of your identity. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) provides a simple way to check how many SIMs are linked to your CNIC. Here’s how you can do it:

H3: Step-by-Step Process to Check SIM Registration

Via SMS:
- You can easily check the number of SIM cards registered under your CNIC by sending an SMS with the word “SIM” to 668.
- Once you send the message, you will receive a reply listing all the SIM cards registered under your CNIC, along with their respective network providers.
PTA DIRBS System:
- The PTA also offers a DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) portal. You can visit the official DIRBS website to check the details of your SIM registration.
- Simply enter your CNIC number and get details about the SIMs registered under your name.
PTA Mobile App:
- The PTA also has a mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices. Download and install the PTA’s official app to check your SIM card details and even manage SIMs.

By regularly checking your SIM registrations, you can identify unauthorized SIMs linked to your CNIC and take action if necessary.

H2: What Happens If I Exceed the Allowed Number of SIM Cards?

If you have more than the allowed number of SIM cards registered under your CNIC, you may face several consequences:

H3: Potential Consequences for Exceeding the Limit

Legal Action: The government may take legal action against individuals found to have registered more than the allowed number of SIM cards under one CNIC.
SIM Deactivation: Excess SIM cards may be deactivated by telecom companies upon discovering the violation. This could lead to loss of services for the extra SIM cards.
Fines and Penalties: In some cases, individuals who exceed the SIM limit could face fines or penalties imposed by the PTA.

It is essential to stay within the allowed limit to avoid facing any penalties or legal issues. If you find yourself with excess SIM cards, it is advisable to remove or deregister the extra SIMs promptly.

H2: How to Remove Extra SIM Cards from Your CNIC?

If you’ve discovered that you have more than the allowed number of SIM cards registered under your CNIC, it is important to take action to deregister the extra SIMs. Here’s how you can go about it:

H3: Steps to Remove SIMs via SMS

Send an SMS to 668: To remove a SIM, send an SMS with the word “REMOVE” followed by your CNIC number to 668.
Verification: You may be asked to verify your identity via a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
Confirmation: Once the verification process is complete, you will receive a confirmation SMS stating that the SIM has been successfully removed from your CNIC.

H3: Steps to Remove SIMs via Customer Care Center

You can also visit the customer care center of your telecom service provider to remove any extra SIMs. Provide them with the necessary identification and request to deregister the excess SIM cards.

H2: Why Is It Important to Stay Within the Allowed SIM Limit?

There are several reasons why you should ensure that the number of SIMs linked to your CNIC is within the legal limit:

H3: Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud

Having multiple unauthorized SIMs linked to your CNIC can expose you to risks such as identity theft or fraud. If someone else registers SIM cards under your name, they may misuse your identity for illegal activities, causing damage to your personal reputation and leading to legal issues.

H3: Better Control of Your Telecom Services

Keeping track of your SIMs ensures that you have full control over your telecommunications services. You can avoid the inconvenience of unused or unnecessary SIMs and manage your phone numbers more effectively.

H3: Compliance with Legal Requirements

By adhering to the legal SIM limit, you are ensuring that you remain compliant with the regulations set by the government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Failure to comply may result in legal penalties or service disruptions.

H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I check the number of SIM cards linked to my CNIC?

You can check the number of SIM cards registered under your CNIC by sending an SMS with the word “SIM” to 668, visiting the PTA DIRBS website, or using the PTA mobile app.

2. Can I have more than five SIM cards from a single telecom provider?

No, you are allowed a maximum of five SIM cards per telecom provider under one CNIC. However, you can have multiple SIM cards across different providers, with each network offering up to five SIM cards per CNIC.

3. What should I do if I have more SIM cards than allowed?

If you have more than the allowed number of SIM cards linked to your CNIC, you should remove the extra SIMs by contacting your telecom provider or using the SMS service (REMOVExxx to 668).

4. Can I link a new SIM card if I have already reached the limit of five SIM cards per provider?

Once you have reached the limit of five SIM cards per provider, you will not be able to register additional SIM cards from that provider under the same CNIC. You may need to deregister an old SIM before registering a new one.

5. How do I deregister or remove a SIM card from my CNIC?

You can deregister a SIM card by sending an SMS to 668 or visiting the customer care center of your telecom provider. They will assist in removing the unwanted SIM cards linked to your CNIC.

Conclusion

Understanding how many SIM cards are allowed on a single CNIC is crucial for maintaining compliance with Pakistani telecom regulations. Keeping track of your SIM registrations helps protect your identity, prevents misuse, and ensures you remain within the legal limits. Whether you’re looking to add or remove SIM cards, it’s important to stay informed about the process to avoid facing penalties or service disruptions.