The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has started blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive SIM cards to prevent their potential misuse.
According to officials, the move follows an awareness campaign urging users to ensure their WhatsApp accounts are registered with active mobile numbers they currently own and control.
PTA has advised users to update their WhatsApp registration if their previously linked SIM cards have been deactivated, cancelled or are no longer in use.
Inactive SIM cards can create security risks because telecom operators may reissue these numbers to other subscribers. If a WhatsApp account remains linked to a number that has been reassigned, the original owner could face a loss of account control or potential unauthorised access.
The authority has urged mobile phone users to check their SIM status and ensure their WhatsApp accounts are linked to numbers they actively use.
Users who have changed their mobile numbers should use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature to transfer their account to their current number and reduce the risk of misuse.
The latest action follows previous PTA warnings about the security risks associated with WhatsApp accounts registered on inactive or cancelled SIM cards.
