Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken action against 176,000 WhatsApp accounts associated with recycled mobile numbers in collaboration with Meta to prevent online fraud and strengthen digital security across Pakistan.
The accounts were blocked following complaints about the misuse of WhatsApp registrations linked to inactive, cancelled or previously assigned SIM cards.
According to PTA officials, the regulator has shared details of approximately 10 million recycled mobile numbers with Meta to identify accounts that could pose security risks.
The move comes as telecom operators across Pakistan hold nearly 16 million recycled mobile numbers, raising concerns about unauthorised access and potential fraud involving accounts registered against numbers no longer controlled by their original owners.
Under a new arrangement, the PTA will share details of another 5,000 recycled numbers with Meta every month to help identify and deactivate associated WhatsApp accounts.
The initiative aims to prevent criminals from exploiting old mobile numbers and protect subscribers who receive reassigned SIM cards.
PTA officials also revealed that Meta addressed 82% of complaints forwarded by the regulator during the previous year, highlighting cooperation between the two sides in tackling digital security concerns.
The latest action is part of broader efforts to improve online safety and reduce cyber fraud involving mobile connections in Pakistan.
Mobile users have been advised to ensure their WhatsApp accounts remain registered with active numbers they currently own and control.
Anyone who has changed their mobile number should use WhatsApp’s Change Number feature to transfer their account to the new connection.
Users should also enable two-step verification and avoid sharing account verification codes with unknown individuals.
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The PTA’s collaboration with Meta is expected to strengthen monitoring of recycled mobile numbers and reduce the risk of fraudulent activities involving WhatsApp accounts.
