ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday issued instructions to all mobile service providers to immediately stop sale of unregistered SIMs.

The authority warned of strict action against the violators of these instructions otherwise business of franchises and retailers involved in such practices would be closed.

The directions came amidst reports of continuous violations of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority directions against sale of unverified mobile SIMs.

“Despite the authority’s directions, franchises and retailers are still selling unverified SIMs,” said Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Director Media and Communications Mohammad Younis, adding that strict action would be taken against the mobile phone operators if they failed to carry out the directives.

“The responsibility lies with the cellular mobile operators. They must ensure that their franchises and retailers were not violating law,” he said.