Key points
- Passenger arrived from UK at Multan Airport
- Handed over to FIA Cybercrime Reporting Circle
- Further legal action to be taken under Peca 2016
ISLAMABAD: An international flight passenger was arrested by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday after 6,700 foreign SIM cards were found in his possession.
According to Daily Dawn, the FIA immigration officials intercepted the suspicious passenger, Muhammad Zohaib, who arrived from the United Kingdom on Qatar Airways flight QR-618 at Multan airport.
Upon searching his baggage, the authorities found as many as 6,700 foreign SIM cards.
Under new law
The passenger, along with the recovered SIM cards, was handed over to the FIA cybercrime reporting circle in Multan for further action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016. The matter is currently under investigation, Daily Dawn reported.
The statement of objects and reasons of the newly-approved Peca law say that Peca aims to modernise and enhance the legislative framework for combating cybercrime in Pakistan, ensuring alignment with present-day requirements and addressing the growing complexities of cyber threats.
Illegal SIMs
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been taking action to curb the use of illegal SIMs in the country.
According to Express Tribune, the PTA blocked more than 732,000 illegal SIMs in the year 2021 alone. Similarly, according to Express Tribune, the PTA reportedly blocked more than 69,000 “illegal” SIMs in 2024.
MISUSE OF SIMs
Misusing illegal SIM cards can involve various activities that are against the law and can lead to serious consequences. Here are some common types of misuse:
Identity Theft
Using a SIM card to impersonate someone else to gain access to their personal information or commit fraud.
Fraudulent Activities
Engaging in financial scams or other deceptive practices.
Hacking and Cybercrime
Using an illegal SIM to bypass security systems, hack into accounts, or carry out cyberattacks without being easily traced back to the perpetrator.
Spamming
Using illegal SIM cards to send bulk unsolicited messages, potentially violating privacy laws.
