PTA fines CM Pak Rs77.8m over SIM geo-fencing breach

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a substantial fine of Rs77.8 million on China Mobile Pakistan (CM Pak) for breaching SIM geo-fencing regulations. According to the PTA's enforcement order, the company failed to enforce 100-metre geo-fencing requirements on biometric verification system devices used for SIM sales.

This violation occurred when an authorized sales representative of CM Pak's Taxila franchise conducted SIM sales at I-10 Markaz, Islamabad, beyond the designated sales channel location. The PTA discovered this during a field inspection on March 30, 2026. The geo-fencing requirement was put in place to ensure that biometric devices remain within a 100-metre radius of authorized sales channels, a rule that CM Pak contested, arguing the incident was an isolated operational lapse.

However, the PTA maintained that biometric verification and geo-fencing are separate regulatory obligations; while one verifies subscriber identity, the other ensures SIM sales occur within authorized locations. The regulator also dismissed CM Pak's argument that responsibility for the violation should be placed on the franchise or individual DSO, emphasizing that the operator retains direct responsibility for SIM sales through its authorized sales network.

The fine, which must be paid within 10 days, serves as a strong reminder of the importance of adhering to these regulatory requirements.