The PTA Mobile Balance Validity Proposal has been introduced to ensure prepaid mobile balance remains valid for the entire active life of a SIM card.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority shared this proposal through a consultation paper. It has invited feedback from telecom operators and the public until 16 March 2026.
PTA says prepaid balance is an advance payment made by customers. Therefore, it should not expire within a short period.
Majority of Users Affected
According to PTA data, around 97 percent of mobile users in Pakistan use prepaid services.
This makes balance expiry a common issue across the country. Many users lose unused balance when they do not recharge on time.
PTA has received several complaints about automatic balance deductions despite advance payment.
Why PTA Raised the Issue
The regulator noted that users often lose balance in certain situations.
For example, when they travel abroad, use their SIM occasionally, or keep a second SIM inactive for long periods.
PTA reviewed practices of major telecom companies including:
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Jazz
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Telenor Pakistan
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Zong
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Ufone
The authority observed differences in recharge amounts and validity periods among these operators.
Current Industry Practices
In some cases, unused balance expires after a fixed time.
Other operators temporarily block the balance and restore it after a new recharge.
Although SMS alerts are sent before expiry, PTA believes these steps do not fully protect consumers.
International Examples Considered
The PTA Mobile Balance Validity Proposal also studied global telecom markets.
It found that in some countries, unused balance stays valid for a longer time or can be refunded after verification.
This shows that consumer-friendly options are technically possible.
What PTA Is Proposing
Under the PTA Mobile Balance Validity Proposal, prepaid balance will remain valid as long as the SIM stays active under PTA rules.
If a SIM is deactivated, the remaining balance may be restored after reactivation.
In some cases, users may also receive refunds through bank transfer or mobile wallet after proper verification.
PTA suggested linking prepaid balance with CNIC-based identification and Know Your Customer procedures.
Purpose of the Proposal
PTA said the goal is to introduce a uniform policy across the telecom sector.
The aim is to ensure transparency, fairness, and stronger consumer rights in Pakistan.
The authority has asked stakeholders to submit their feedback before the deadline.
