ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that it will block WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive, cancelled or unused mobile SIMs, saying some such accounts were being used for fraud and other unlawful activities.

The regulator said the blocking process could begin at any time and urged users to ensure that the mobile numbers linked to their WhatsApp accounts remained active and under their control.

The PTA said the measure was being introduced after an awareness campaign conducted over several weeks to inform users about the potential blocking of accounts associated with inactive or unregistered SIMs.

The authority advised users to register and activate the SIMs linked to their WhatsApp accounts to avoid losing access.

The PTA said warning messages were also being played instead of the normal calling tone when calls were made from mobile phones. The messages informed users that WhatsApp accounts associated with unregistered or inactive SIMs could be blocked.

The regulator further advised users who had changed their mobile numbers to promptly use WhatsApp’s “Change Number” feature to retain control of their accounts.

Users were also urged to check the status of their SIMs and take timely action if any of their registered numbers had become inactive.

The PTA said the measure was aimed at curbing fraud and other unlawful activities while strengthening digital security and preventing misuse of mobile numbers.

The move could also affect Pakistanis living abroad who continue to operate WhatsApp accounts registered with Pakistani SIMs that are no longer active.

Such users have been advised to ensure that the number associated with their WhatsApp account remains active and under their control, or to transfer the account to an active number using WhatsApp’s “Change Number” feature.

The PTA said users should take the necessary steps before the blocking process begins to avoid disruption or loss of access to their WhatsApp accounts.