We know that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has assigned a specific number 668 for checking the number of registered SIMS on a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
It was the simplest way of exercising the acquisition of information without visiting any service centre and standing in long queues.
But what happened? Shouldn’t we rely on 668 to check registered SIMS on a CNIC now on? What’s actually going on?
The System of 668 – SIM Information System
The PTA has officially introduced 668-SIM Information System, with what customers can check the number of SIMs registered against any CNIC by sending CNIC number to 668.
Why Not to Rely on 668?
It is strictly advised now to visit service centers of all cellular companies to know the exact number of SIMs registered against your CNIC.
This is due to the unavailability of updated data and lack of data synchronization with 668 SIM information system.
A Case Study
Taking an example of a Case Study in this regard, when the number of registered SIMS was checked via 668, it showed only two SIMS, however, by chance when service center was visited, it was to the utmost shock that there were 11 SIMs registered against one CNIC – which were blocked instantly upon the request.
The same has been reported by many other mobile phone users.
PTA’s Statement
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in a statement has also advised the mobile phone subscribers to visit Customers Services Centre (CSC) of concerned mobile operator and get their SIM(s) data corrected.
The PTA has also requested the subscribers’ cooperation in streamlining of SIM data.
The PTA has stated that the users may visit the Service Centers of concerned mobile operator to resolve this issue.
In order to get the data corrected, for further action, mobile users would personally visit the CSC of the concerned operator and fill an undertaking by listing all the SIMs/numbers in their use and would get the unwanted numbers withdrawn from their names.
The CSC shall return a copy of this undertaking to the customer.
Final Word
So our authorities must take into consideration that devising a system for the ease of citizens is not enough but to maintain it properly and update it timely is most important to fulfill the purpose of certain services.
This article has been updated on December 12, 2020
