PTA has started blocking WhatsApp accounts that are linked to inactive, cancelled or deactivated SIMs, according to PTA officials cited in reports published on 28 and 29 October 2026. The move follows months of warnings urging users to keep WhatsApp registered on an active number that is actually in their possession.
Why Accounts Are Being Blocked
The problem is number reissue. When a SIM stays inactive or is cancelled, the number can eventually be given to a new subscriber. If the old owner’s WhatsApp account is still tied to that number, the new holder could receive verification codes and take over the account. PTA officials have pointed to accounts being used for fraud and illegal activity as a key concern behind the action.
Users who have changed their number are advised to use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature so the account moves to the number they actually use, rather than leaving it attached to a dead SIM.
What PTA Has and Has Not Said
It is important to be precise about what is confirmed. PTA officials have confirmed that blocking has begun, and multiple outlets have reported the same. However, PTA has not published a formal notice about the blocking, has not said how many accounts are affected, and has not stated how long a SIM must be inactive before its linked account is targeted.
There is also a practical point worth understanding: PTA does not run WhatsApp, so it cannot switch off a WhatsApp account directly. The real risk for users is re-verification — a reissued number’s new holder receiving the code. That is why keeping WhatsApp on an active number in your own name is the protection that matters.
How to Check SIMs Registered on Your CNIC
Anyone unsure which numbers are registered against their name can check through PTA’s official channels:
- Send your 13-digit CNIC number, without dashes, by SMS to 668. The reply lists the SIMs registered on your CNIC for each operator. Most guides put the cost at around Rs. 2 plus tax per SMS.
- Visit the PTA SIM Information System at cnic.sims.pk, enter your CNIC and complete the CAPTCHA to see an operator-wise count. This check is free.
- Both methods show counts only, not other people’s numbers or personal details.
PTA’s helpline, 0800-55055, is also available for users who need help with the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTA really blocking WhatsApp accounts on inactive SIMs?
PTA officials have confirmed that blocking has begun for accounts linked to inactive, cancelled or deactivated SIMs, as reported on 28 October 2026.
Why would my WhatsApp account be blocked?
If your WhatsApp account is still registered on a number you no longer use, that number can be reissued to someone else, who could then receive verification codes for your account.
How do I protect my WhatsApp account?
Keep WhatsApp registered on an active number in your own possession. If you change numbers, use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature to move the account.
How can I check which SIMs are on my CNIC?
SMS your 13-digit CNIC without dashes to 668, or use the free portal at cnic.sims.pk.
Has PTA published an official notice about this?
No published PTA notice has been found so far, and PTA has not stated how many accounts are affected or the exact inactivity period that triggers action.
What should I do if my old number is already reissued?
Move your WhatsApp account to your current active number through the Change Number feature, and check your registered SIMs through the 668 service or the PTA portal.
Conclusion
The message from PTA is simple: do not leave your WhatsApp account attached to a number you no longer control. Check the SIMs on your CNIC, move WhatsApp to your active number, and the blocking drive should not affect you.
