If you are using a SIM registered in someone else’s name — or need to transfer a deceased family member’s number — you must immediately change SIM ownership in Pakistan through the official PTA-approved process. As of December 2025, PTA has declared using SIMs registered under another person’s CNIC a legal violation. This guide covers every official method, required documents, and exact franchise steps for both living and deceased transfers.
Why SIM Ownership Transfer Is Now Legally Urgent
PTA officially declared in December 2025 that using a SIM registered under another person’s CNIC is illegal under Pakistani telecommunications law. Every mobile user must ensure their SIM is registered in their own name — no exceptions.
Key reasons to change SIM ownership in Pakistan without delay:
- Legal liability — you are responsible for any SIM active on your CNIC.
- Financial risk — banks and fintech apps verify SIM ownership against CNIC.
- OTP security — SIMs in wrong names expose your accounts to OTP fraud
- PTA enforcement — third phase SIM blocking operations are already active
📌 First check how many SIMs are on your CNIC — CNIC SIM check Pakistan — official guide
2 Cases — Which One Applies to You?
| Case 1 | SIM registered under a living person’s name | Both parties visit the franchise together |
| Case 2 | SIM registered under a deceased person’s name | Family member visits with a death certificate |
Case 1 — Transfer From a Living Person
Documents Required
| Original CNIC of the current owner | Current registered owner |
| Original CNIC of the new owner | Person taking ownership |
| Both persons are physically present | ✅ Mandatory |
| Biometric thumb impression | Both persons |
Step-by-Step Process
- Both the current and new owners visit the same operator franchise together.
- Request a Change of Ownership at the counter.
- Both submit original CNICs for verification.
- Both complete biometric thumb impressions
- Representative fills Cellular Service Agreement Form (CSAF)
- New owner receives confirmation SMS — transfer active within 24 hours.
- PTA database updates within 45 days
📌 If the SIM has extra lines that need removal first, how do you deactivate extra SIMs in Pakistan
Case 2 — Transfer From a Deceased Person
This is the most common reason families need to change SIM ownership in Pakistan — preserving a family number after someone passes away.
Documents Required
| Original CNIC of the deceased | Required for identity verification |
| Death Certificate | NADRA-issued original |
| Family Registration Certificate (FRC) | Proves family relationship |
| Original CNIC of the new owner | Person claiming the number |
| Biometric thumb impression | New owner only |
Step-by-Step Process
- Collect all documents listed above from NADRA.
- Visit the operator franchise of the SIM’s network.
- Request a SIM transfer for a deceased person at the counter.
- Submit all documents for verification.
- Complete biometric verification as the new owner
- Franchise processes the CSAF form.
- Receive confirmation SMS — transfer completed within 24–48 hours.
Operator-Wise Franchise + Helplines
| Jazz | 111 | jazz.com.pk/find-a-franchise | jazz.com.pk/transfer-of-sim |
| Zong | 310 | zong.com.pk/store-locator | Contact helpline |
| Ufone | 333 | ufone.com/service-centers | ufone.com/change-of-ownership |
| Telenor / Onic | 345 | telenor.com.pk/locate-us | Contact helpline |
| SCOM | 711 | Contact the helpline directly | Contact helpline |
Cost and Timeline
| Living person transfer | Free | Confirmation within 24 hours |
| Deceased person transfer | Free | Confirmation within 24–48 hours |
| PTA database update | Free | Up to 45 days |
| NADRA FRC + Death Certificate | NADRA fee applies | Before the franchise visit |
SIM Ownership and Your Full Legal Rights
When you officially change SIM ownership in Pakistan, you also gain full legal protection. The new owner becomes solely responsible for the number, relieving the previous CNIC holder of all liability. This is why completing the process through official franchise channels is the only valid method.
📌 Understand the complete legal framework —SIM ownership rules in Pakistan — official guide
📌Check the official PTA limit before transferring —PTA SIM limit per CNIC in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change SIM ownership in Pakistan online without visiting a franchise?
No. As of 2026, both living and deceased transfers require physical franchise visits with biometric verification. There is no fully online method for changing permanent ownership.
Q: Do both people need to be present for a living person transfer?
Yes. Both the current registered owner and the new owner must be physically present at the franchise with original CNICs for biometric verification.
Q: What if the current SIM owner refuses to cooperate?
File a formal complaint with PTA at 0800-55055. If the SIM is illegally registered to your CNIC without your consent, the PTA can direct the operator to investigate and resolve the issue.
Q: How long does the change of SIM ownership in Pakistan take?
You receive a confirmation SMS within 24–48 hours of the franchise visit. The PTA central database updates within 45 days.
Q: Can I transfer a deceased person’s SIM without a death certificate?
No. A NADRA-issued death certificate and a Family Registration Certificate are mandatory documents for SIM transfers for the deceased.
ℹ️ This article is for educational purposes only. We do not claim real-time or 100% accurate SIM data. For official SIM checks, send your CNIC to 668 or visit cnic.sims.pk. Using this data to harm others is illegal under PECA 2016.
Conclusion
Transferring SIM ownership is a straightforward process at any franchise — but both parties must carry valid CNICs. Complete the transfer officially to avoid future legal or verification issues.
For complete SIM verification in Pakistan, visit our official guide to SIM owner details in Pakistan.