ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has banned the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service from immediate effect, DawnNews reported.

In a notification issued by PTA on Wednesday, it was stated that MNP services on all networks have be barred.

Earlier on, the Interior Ministry had directed PTA to take action against the sale of illegal SIMs.

In the first phase, shops and franchise outlets were barred from selling SIMs while in the second phase the ministry had directed PTA to stop mobile portability.

It must be noted that after this notification, mobile phone subscribers will not be able to change the networks.

PTA has said that these steps have been taken on the directives of the Interior Ministry.