California (Web Desk): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive mobile SIMs.
According to the PTA, the move aims to protect users’ accounts from potential misuse and unauthorized access. The authorities launched the action after warning users through an awareness campaign.
The PTA has advised users to keep their WhatsApp accounts linked only to active mobile numbers that are currently in their use.
According to officials, inactive or cancelled mobile numbers may be reissued to other users under the procedures established by telecom companies. In such cases, there is a risk of unauthorized access to or misuse of WhatsApp accounts linked to the previously assigned numbers.
The PTA has advised users to verify the current status of their SIM cards. If their number has been deactivated or they are no longer using it, they should transfer their WhatsApp account to an active number.
Users who have changed their mobile numbers have been instructed to use WhatsApp’s “Change Number” feature, which allows them to transfer their existing account to a new active number.
The authority has stressed that users should check the numbers linked to their WhatsApp accounts and ensure that those numbers are active and remain under their control.