Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has capped the initial cost of an eSIM at Rs1,500.
- Subscribers can now transfer their eSIMs between compatible mobile handsets free of charge for up to 10 migrations.
- The new policy aims to make eSIM technology more consumer-friendly and reduce unnecessary visits to customer service centers.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a revised pricing policy for eSIM services, effective mid-August 2026. The move is in line with directions issued by a parliamentary panel that had instructed the telecom regulator to finalize an updated eSIM transfer policy.
Under the new framework, the initial cost of an eSIM will be capped at Rs1,500, significantly reducing the financial burden on consumers compared to previous charges. Additionally, subscribers will now have the option to migrate their eSIMs between compatible mobile handsets without incurring any additional fees for up to 10 device migrations.
The PTA has stated that this revised policy is designed to make eSIM technology more accessible and user-friendly. By eliminating unnecessary visits to customer service centers, it aims to streamline the process of switching devices while ensuring robust security standards are maintained.
According to the PTA, under the existing mechanism, an eSIM can already be transferred from one mobile phone to another a specified number of times using the same QR code issued during the original purchase and activation. However, the new policy formalizes these changes by reducing the maximum initial issuance fee and introducing free transfers for up to 10 device migrations.
The parliamentary committee had also directed the PTA to develop a secure digital mechanism enabling subscribers to migrate eSIMs between compatible devices without having to visit customer service centers. The regulator has informed the committee that it is actively working with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and cellular operators to introduce this multi-factor subscriber verification mechanism.
The PTA said that consultations with NADRA and CMOs are ongoing to finalize the technical and operational framework for both initiatives. Under one proposal, NADRA is assessing the feasibility of enabling SIM issuance through its Pak ID mobile application using facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to allow eligible users to complete identity verification remotely, reducing dependence on physical biometric verification.
The second proposal envisages introducing self-service biometric verification through mobile applications of cellular operators. Under this mechanism, subscribers would be able to authenticate themselves through NADRA’s database using the operators’ apps for SIM issuance and related services. The PTA said that consultations with NADRA and CMOs are continuing to finalize the technical and operational framework for both initiatives.
The committee had specifically instructed the regulator to ensure that the new verification mechanism incorporates facial recognition and iris verification technologies while providing facilitation for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other subscribers who face difficulties in conventional biometric verification.
