Frequently Asked Questions

In Pakistan, “SIM owner details” means the record of which SIMs are registered against a particular CNIC in PTA’s Subscriber Verification and Management System (SVMS). For your own identity, it’s a self-check — you can see how many connections are active on your CNIC and on which networks. It is not a public people-search.

For a SIM you physically hold, sending MNP to 667 returns the registered status and a masked CNIC (partly hidden for privacy) — not a full, downloadable identity file. The system is built for verification, not exposure.

No. eSim Owner Details is an independent educational guide. The methods we explain (668, 667, cnic.sims.pk, 76367) are official PTA channels, but this website is not PTA, NADRA or any operator.

Because in law, whatever happens on a SIM lands first at the door of the person it’s registered to. Checking regularly catches any SIM registered on your CNIC without your knowledge — before it can be misused for fraud or OTPs.

Once a month is the sweet spot — do it on the 1st and keep a dated screenshot. Check immediately if you lose signal for no reason, receive OTPs you didn’t request, or recently shared a copy of your CNIC.

It’s free or near-free. cnic.sims.pk is completely free; the 668 SMS costs roughly Rs. 2 including tax, which is PTA’s own SMS charge, not a fee we or anyone adds. Any site charging “per query” for SIM data is not official.

No. The 668 SMS and the operator USSD codes work on any phone, including a basic keypad phone, with no data connection. Only the cnic.sims.pk portal and operator apps need internet.

SVMS is PTA’s Subscriber Verification and Management System — the registry, fed by NADRA’s biometric records and operator activation data, that links every SIM to a CNIC. It has no public search window; only the CNIC holder can check their own record.

Yes. A SIM is activated only after a live biometric (fingerprint) match against your CNIC record at the point of sale. That biometric link is what makes SIM registration in Pakistan traceable.

Yes — 668 and cnic.sims.pk return an operator-wise count across all six networks (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, SCO and ONIC) in a single check.

The core official channels are: SMS 668 (count on your CNIC), cnic.sims.pk (the same on screen, with dates), MNP to 667 (the SIM in your hand), and 76367 (a number’s current network). Operator apps, helplines and franchise visits are additional legitimate routes.

Texting MNP to 667 from the SIM you want to verify usually replies in a few seconds. For a full CNIC-wide count, 668 takes about 30 seconds.

cnic.sims.pk, because it shows registration dates and can be printed or screenshotted. For anything formal, an in-person franchise verification carries the most weight.

Yes — every core method (668, 667, 76367, cnic.sims.pk) works from your phone or browser. Only disowning an unauthorised SIM requires an in-person franchise visit.

cnic.sims.pk works from any country, free, with no VPN, and accepts NICOP. It’s the go-to for overseas Pakistanis.

No — one is enough. 668 or cnic.sims.pk alone gives you the full picture. The others are for specific needs, like verifying one SIM in your hand (667) or finding a number’s network (76367).

668 and cnic.sims.pk tell you how many SIMs are on your identity and where. 667 verifies one specific SIM you’re holding. Use the first for an audit and the second to confirm a particular SIM.

For 668, yes — you’re checking your own CNIC, not the phone’s SIM, so any phone works. For 667, you must send it from the actual SIM you want to verify.

It lists each operator with a count, then a total. A zero means no SIM on that network. Compare the total to the SIMs you actually use — anything higher needs investigating.

Yes. A dated screenshot of your 668 reply or portal result is your baseline. Comparing this month’s total to last month’s is the single best way to catch an unauthorised registration early.

This system is for mobile SIMs. A data-only SIM (in a dongle or MiFi) still counts toward your CNIC and appears in a 668 result exactly like a voice line.

Try an alternative — if 668 is slow (common around month-end), use cnic.sims.pk instead, and vice-versa. Persistent issues are usually a formatting or signal problem, covered in the codes section below.

Open a new SMS, type your 13-digit CNIC with no dashes and no spaces, and send it to 668. You’ll get an operator-wise reply in about 30 seconds. It costs roughly Rs. 2 including tax.

From the SIM you want to verify, text the word MNP to 667. The reply confirms that SIM’s network, status and a masked view of the CNIC it’s registered on.

Send a phone number to 76367 to learn which network currently serves it — and nothing else (no name, no identity). It’s useful because porting means a number’s prefix no longer proves its operator.

Open cnic.sims.pk in any browser, enter your 13-digit CNIC (or NICOP), complete the CAPTCHA, and view the per-operator breakdown with dates. Always check the spelling of the address — look-alike domains are common.

Usually one of: the CNIC was typed with dashes (remove them), it wasn’t exactly 13 digits, your balance can’t cover the ~Rs. 2 charge, or the network is briefly congested. Fix those and resend, or use cnic.sims.pk.

Dial your network’s own-number code from that SIM: Jazz *99#, Zong *8#, Telenor *8888#, Ufone *780*3#. These read the number back with no balance or data needed.

Jazz: CNIC to 6001. Telenor: CNIC to 7751. Zong & Ufone: send V to 7911 (Ufone also offers *336#). SCO and ONIC verify via franchise or app.

Dialling *#06# on any phone displays its IMEI — the unique device identifier. Note it for every phone; you’ll need it to report a handset lost or stolen.

8484 and the DIRBS portal let you check whether a handset is compliant for use on Pakistani networks. It’s about the device, separate from SIM-to-CNIC registration — worth checking before buying a used phone.

Dialling ##002# cancels all conditional call-forwarding on a line — a sensible reset on any SIM you’ve just acquired second-hand, in case forwarding was left on.

No — SMS and USSD codes (668, 667, 76367, 6001, 7751, 7911, *99#, etc.) work on any phone without a data connection. Only the online portal and apps need internet.

The own-number and BVS-status codes are generally free or negligible. The one small charge is the ~Rs. 2 for the 668 SMS — PTA’s standard SMS rate.

When you buy a SIM, the seller captures your fingerprint and matches it against your CNIC’s biometric record through NADRA. Only on a confirmed match is the SIM activated and written into PTA’s SVMS registry against your CNIC.

No. An expired or invalid CNIC can’t be used for a new SIM, a replacement, or disowning. SIMs already on an expired CNIC can also fall at risk of suspension — renew your CNIC and then re-check your SIMs.

Act the same day: report to NADRA (051-111-786-100) and begin a replacement, file a police report/FIR, and run a 668 check within 24 hours as your baseline. Re-check weekly for a month, since a stray CNIC copy is most dangerous early on.

Write “for [purpose] only” with a date on every photocopy, never share CNIC images on WhatsApp or social media, delete CNIC photos from your phone after use, and check 668 monthly.

Broadly: the first digits encode a location (province/district/tehsil), the middle digits are a unique serial, and the last digit indicates gender. You never need to share the full number with an unofficial “checker”.

Yes — with a valid passport and visa (or a POC card), a foreign national can register a limited number of SIMs at an operator’s official service centre. Validity is tied to their visa or stay.

It shouldn’t be — biometric verification is mandatory. If a SIM appears on your CNIC that you never fingerprinted for, treat it as unauthorised and follow the disowning steps.

Yes. Data SIMs in dongles, MiFi devices and tablets are registered to a CNIC just like voice SIMs, and count toward your limit.

Yes — overseas Pakistanis can use their NICOP on cnic.sims.pk to check the SIMs registered to their identity, exactly like a CNIC.

Initially, the registered CNIC holder is looked at first for anything done on a SIM in their name — even one they never authorised. That’s exactly why catching an unauthorised SIM early, and disowning it, matters so much.

A maximum of eight: five voice SIMs plus three data-only SIMs, combined across all operators. This follows the Supreme Court’s ruling; the old “25 SIMs” figure is out of date.

Yes. The current cap is five voice plus three data-only per CNIC. If a guide still says 25, it’s working from an outdated rule.

No — both count the same toward your cap. Postpaid simply adds a monthly billing arrangement on top of the same biometric registration.

Yes. An eSIM uses the same biometric registration and counts toward the eight-SIM cap exactly like a physical SIM.

SIMs registered against a company’s National Tax Number (NTN) sit outside the personal eight-SIM cap, which is how a business can legitimately hold more than eight lines.

You generally won’t be able to activate beyond the cap, and an unexpected excess can be a sign that a SIM was registered on your CNIC without your knowledge — worth investigating.

A SIM that’s still associated with your CNIC can continue to count until it’s formally removed or recycled. Disowning genuinely removes an unauthorised one.

Yes — your 668 or cnic.sims.pk total shows exactly how many voice and data connections sit on your CNIC, so you always know where you stand.

Re-verify with 668 and cnic.sims.pk, note the operator, call that operator to flag it, then visit its authorised franchise with your original CNIC to disown it. File a PTA complaint at 0800-55055, and NCCIA (1799) if fraud is involved — keep every reference number.

No. Disowning requires an in-person franchise visit with biometric verification — it can’t be completed through an app, website, call or SMS. You can, however, file the PTA complaint online the same day.

Blocking a SIM you own is typically free, and disowning a genuinely fraudulent SIM is generally free. Fees and steps for voluntary disowning can vary and change over time — confirm the current fee with the operator or PTA before you go, and refuse anyone demanding an unofficial charge.

A newly activated SIM generally cannot be routinely disowned or transferred for a full year. This is why an unauthorised SIM must be reported early — filing a complaint that day still creates the legal record you need, even within the lock period.

Yes. Each operator runs its own franchise process. If unauthorised SIMs sit on two networks, you’ll visit a franchise for each.

No. Disowning targets only the specific SIMs you identify as unauthorised; you confirm which ones with the franchise staff, and your own SIMs stay untouched.

No — a formally disowned SIM is deactivated and can’t be reactivated. That’s different from a SIM merely blocked for inactivity or verification, which can often be restored.

Document the refusal (name, location, date, staff), then file a formal complaint at PTA (complaint.pta.gov.pk or 0800-55055). PTA does act on franchise-level non-cooperation.

Your original CNIC (not a photocopy), and the operator/count details from your 668 or portal check so staff can locate the exact connection. Expect a biometric step.

Often yes — visit a franchise with your original CNIC for biometric re-verification, provided the number hasn’t already been recycled. Long-dormant numbers may be reassigned, so act sooner rather than later.

The franchise step itself is usually quick, but the full removal can take time to reflect. Keep your receipt and complaint reference, and re-check your count afterwards to confirm.

Consider it if several unauthorised SIMs appear, if any financial loss occurred, if you get threatening calls tied to a number on your CNIC, or if a franchise won’t cooperate. Cite PECA 2016 where relevant.

Yes. Every SIM transaction — activation, replacement, porting and disowning — requires biometric verification against your CNIC through NADRA. Unverified SIMs risk progressive restriction and eventual blocking.

Jazz: CNIC to 6001. Telenor: CNIC to 7751. Zong and Ufone: send V to 7911 (Ufone also *336#). A “not verified” result means visit a franchise with your original CNIC to re-verify.

It can face progressive service restriction and, eventually, blocking. Re-verification at a franchise is free and quick — don’t wait until service is already restricted.

Yes — re-verifying at your operator’s franchise with your original CNIC is free. It usually takes only a few minutes.

Worn or dry fingerprints (common for elderly people and manual workers) are the usual reason. Wash and dry your hands, try a different finger, and ask the franchise about any NADRA fallback option if fingerprints keep failing.

Yes — an eSIM is provisioned by QR code only after the same biometric step as a physical SIM, and it appears in your checks identically.

BVS (biometric verification) is about linking a SIM to your CNIC. DIRBS is about a device (handset) being compliant by IMEI. They’re two separate systems.

Yes for checking status — the operator codes above return your BVS status by SMS. But if it shows “not verified”, fixing it requires a franchise visit with your CNIC.

All six operators in Pakistan: Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, SCO (serving AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan) and ONIC (a newer digital-only brand). One 668 SMS covers them all at once.

Jazz 111, Zong 310, Telenor 345, Ufone 333, SCO 355. PTA is 0800-55055 (toll-free), and the NCCIA cyber helpline is 1799.

Helpline 111; own number *99#; BVS status by sending your CNIC to 6001. Jazz uses prefixes 0300–0309 and 0320–0329, and it’s the largest network by subscribers.

Helpline 310; own number *8#; BVS status by sending V to 7911. Zong uses prefixes 0310–0319 and 0360–0369.

Helpline 345; own number *8888#; BVS status by sending your CNIC to 7751. Telenor uses prefixes 0340–0349.

Helpline 333; own number *780*3#; BVS status by sending V to 7911 or via *336#. Ufone uses prefixes 0330–0338.

SCO serves Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, uses prefixes 0355–0357, and handles verification through its franchises and app. Its helpline is 355.

ONIC is a newer digital-only, app-based brand using prefixes 0339 and 0371–0379. It appears in your 668 breakdown like any other operator, and verification is handled in-app.

The original prefix hints at it, but after porting it can be misleading. For the current network, send the number to 76367.

Yes — following the merger, former Warid prefixes (0320–0329) are part of Jazz, and Jazz’s verification codes work for them.

Yes, through Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Visit the new operator’s franchise with your original CNIC, complete biometric verification and clear any dues; the number stays the same while the network changes.

Several major operators and the digital-only ONIC brand support eSIM. Availability can vary by operator and franchise, so confirm current eSIM support directly with your operator.

It’s when a criminal gets your number moved onto a SIM they control — often using a CNIC photocopy — so your banking OTPs start arriving on their phone. The classic warning sign is your own phone suddenly losing all signal.

Check 668 monthly, move banking from SMS OTP to app-based two-factor authentication, set a SIM PIN, enable WhatsApp two-step verification, and treat sudden total signal loss as an emergency — call your operator from another phone at once.

No. PTA’s registry has no public search, so these sites can only show stolen or fabricated data — and they harvest whatever CNIC and number you type in. Using them risks malware, phishing and legal exposure.

No. There is no legal public live-location tracker for phone numbers in Pakistan. Apps promising this are scams that steal data or install spyware.

Never share an OTP, PIN or CVV by phone — no bank, operator or agency ever needs them. Don’t click links in unknown SMS, hang up on anyone demanding instant payment, and report the number to the NCCIA (1799).

Unauthorised points offer “free SIM” deals; the fingerprint you give for one SIM is quietly used to register others on your CNIC. Only ever give your biometric at an official operator franchise, and re-check your SIM count afterwards.

Common routes are CNIC-photocopy misuse, fraud at an unauthorised sales point, biometric-bypass attempts, and misuse of a lost or stolen CNIC. Regular checks are the most reliable way to catch them early.

No. There is no premium tier beyond what PTA already provides free. Any “fresh” or “new” paid data offer is selling fabricated or breach-recycled information.

No. Truecaller shows crowd-submitted, editable labels — useful for spotting spam, but not the official registered identity, and often wrong.

Not through any legal public tool, and doing so would itself be an offence. Instead, block and report the number, use 76367 to find its network, and let the police or NCCIA obtain subscriber data lawfully if a crime is involved.

APKs marketed as “Pak SIM Checker” or “SIM Owner Details App” often carry infostealer malware. Only install apps from Google Play or the App Store, and never sideload an APK from a link.

It’s a scam. Official PTA and NADRA processes don’t demand instant wallet payments over the phone. End the call and verify directly through official numbers.

Move banking and wallets to app-based 2FA, set a SIM PIN, change key passwords, watch for OTPs you didn’t request, and run a fresh 668 check to confirm no new SIM appeared.

Yes — action against these platforms is real and increasing, which is exactly why relying on them is riskier and less available than ever. The safe, legal path is always the free official channels.

No — and it’s a crime. Obtaining another person’s identity from their number without lawful authority is an offence under PECA 2016, Section 16, with penalties up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine up to Rs. 5,000,000.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 is Pakistan’s main cybercrime law. For SIM owner details, the key parts are Section 16 (unauthorised use of another person’s identity information) and Section 17 (unauthorised issuance or use of identity information).

Completely. Checking the SIMs on your own CNIC via 668 or cnic.sims.pk, or a SIM in your own hand via 667, is fully legal and encouraged. The offence is looking up someone else.

Initially, yes — the registered holder is looked at first for activity on a SIM in their name. You clear it by disowning the SIM and filing a PTA complaint, which is why early detection matters.

PTA for SIM-registration issues (complaint.pta.gov.pk / 0800-55055), and the NCCIA for cybercrime and identity misuse (1799). For a crime, also file a police FIR. NADRA (051-111-786-100) handles CNIC matters.

No — inflated combined figures circulate on some sites and are not actual provisions. Rely on the real statute and qualified legal advice for exact, current penalties, not on numbers copied between websites.

Visiting isn’t the point — using such a service to obtain a stranger’s data, or buying that data, falls foul of PECA and puts you at risk. These sites also harvest your inputs.

Law enforcement can lawfully obtain subscriber data through proper legal process — you cannot, and neither can any website claiming to. If you’re a victim, report to the NCCIA rather than trying to identify the person yourself.

No. Our legal explanations are plain-language, general information — not legal advice. For a specific situation, especially if your identity has been misused, consult a qualified Pakistani lawyer.

Only ever check your own CNIC or a SIM you physically hold, never enter your CNIC into an unofficial “checker”, and report problems through official channels. That keeps you fully within PECA 2016.

Use cnic.sims.pk with your CNIC or NICOP; it’s free worldwide and needs no VPN. Check monthly and keep a dated PDF. A trusted relative in Pakistan can act at a franchise if you find an unfamiliar connection.

Don’t leave them active, as an unattended record is a known fraud route. Visit each operator’s franchise with the death certificate to close or transfer the connections, ideally within about a month.

Not in their own name. A minor’s SIM is registered under a guardian’s CNIC and counts toward that guardian’s cap and total.

Through a formal, biometric franchise process — not a private handover. Until a transfer is completed, the SIM remains the original registrant’s legal responsibility. Verify with 667 afterwards.

Yes. Send MNP to 667 to confirm the masked CNIC matches yours, and dial ##002# to clear any inherited call-forwarding, before linking it to a bank or wallet.

Confirm the SIM is registered to you (667), clear any forwarding (##002#), set a SIM PIN, and prefer app-based 2FA over SMS OTP. The number on your bank account is the master key to your money.

Yes — SIMs tied to an expired or invalid CNIC can face suspension. Renew before expiry, then re-run 668 to confirm all your connections survived the transition.

A blocked SIM (for inactivity or verification) can often be reactivated; a formally disowned SIM is permanently removed from your CNIC and can’t come back.

Yes — dial *#06# for the IMEI, then use the DIRBS portal or 8484 to check the handset’s compliance. That’s the device side, separate from SIM registration.

Check the IMEI (*#06#) against DIRBS for compliance before relying on it, and if a SIM came with it, verify that SIM with 667 and clear any forwarding with ##002#.

No. We’re an independent educational platform — not affiliated with PTA, NADRA, any operator or any government body. We simply guide you to the official, free, legal channels that already exist.

No. We collect no personal data and hold no SIM database. When you use 668 or cnic.sims.pk, your request goes straight to PTA — never through us. See our Privacy Policy for detail.

Never. Every method we describe is free or near-free at PTA’s own rates, and the site itself has no paid tiers, sign-ups or “premium” checks.

Every code, date and figure is checked against official PTA and NADRA sources before publishing, and we date each update. When we find a fabricated claim elsewhere, we correct it openly rather than repeat it.

Our guides are researched and reviewed by the eSim Owner Details editorial desk, led by Nadir Hussain, a Pakistan telecom and SIM-verification specialist who checks each fact against a named source.

Please email us via the Contact page with the page link and the correct information (with a source if possible). Corrections are treated as high priority and checked before anything changes.