The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new option for overseas Pakistanis who want to keep their local mobile numbers active while living abroad. The regulator said the facility allows expatriates to retain their Pakistani SIM cards during long stays outside the country. As a result, their mobile services will not be blocked while they are overseas.

According to the PTA, users can activate this option by contacting their respective mobile network operators. The process aims to ensure service continuity without the need to reissue a SIM after returning to Pakistan.

اوورسیز پاکستانیوں کے لیے آسان، محفوظ اور مسلسل رابطہ
پی ٹی اے کا ایک اور اہم قدم#PTA #OverseasPakistanis #StayConnected #SIMNotBlocked #DigitalPakistan #PakistanZindabad #PTAUpdates #PakDiaspora #MobileConnectivity #PublicService pic.twitter.com/6uCKAbFTck

— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) January 17, 2026

The authority explained that the move supports expatriates who depend on Pakistani numbers for banking, verification services, and personal communication. It also noted that the decision reflects its broader goal of improving digital access and strengthening connectivity for Pakistanis worldwide.

Meanwhile, the PTA repeated an earlier warning about SIM ownership rules.

Last month, the regulator stressed that every mobile SIM must be registered in the name of the person using it. It said the use of SIMs registered to other individuals violates existing regulations.

“Any SIM registered in the name of another individual and used by someone else is considered a violation of rules,” the authority said.

The PTA advised telecom users to ensure responsible usage at all times. It also clarified that the registered subscriber remains fully accountable for any misuse.