PTA and Meta Block 176,000 WhatsApp Accounts in Pakistan Over Recycled SIM Fraud

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with Meta, has blocked 176,000 WhatsApp accounts registered against recycled mobile numbers in Pakistan as part of efforts to prevent cyber fraud and protect mobile subscribers.

The development was reported on November 6, 2026, after complaints emerged that mobile numbers previously used by other subscribers were being exploited through WhatsApp accounts that remained active after the original SIM cards had been cancelled or deactivated.

According to officials cited by ProPakistani, the PTA has already shared approximately 10 million recycled mobile numbers with Meta for verification. Under a continuing arrangement, the regulator will provide another 5,000 recycled numbers every month so that associated WhatsApp accounts can be identified and deactivated in phases.

The initiative could affect people who previously registered WhatsApp using mobile numbers they no longer own or control. It also aims to protect new subscribers who receive mobile numbers previously assigned to other customers.

176,000 WhatsApp Accounts Blocked in Pakistan

The PTA has confirmed that 176,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to recycled mobile numbers have been blocked following coordination with Meta.

The action follows complaints about fraudulent activities involving WhatsApp accounts associated with inactive or cancelled SIM cards.

When a mobile number is disconnected, telecom operators may eventually make that number available to another subscriber. However, the previous owner’s WhatsApp account may remain associated with the number if the account registration was never properly updated or removed.

This situation can create confusion and potential security risks for the new subscriber.

The PTA reportedly requested Meta’s assistance in identifying accounts connected to recycled numbers. The resulting action has led to the deactivation of 176,000 accounts.

Importantly, the reported action concerns accounts associated with recycled mobile numbers. It should not be interpreted as a general ban on WhatsApp users in Pakistan or a restriction targeting ordinary account activity.

Why Is the PTA Targeting WhatsApp Accounts Linked to Old SIM Cards?

Mobile phone numbers are not permanently assigned to one individual.

When a subscriber stops using a number, cancels a SIM card or loses access to a mobile connection, the telecom operator may eventually recycle that number and issue it to another customer.

The problem arises when the previous subscriber’s WhatsApp account remains associated with the recycled number.

For example, consider a person who registered WhatsApp using a Pakistani mobile number but later cancelled the SIM card without transferring the WhatsApp account to another number.

Months later, the telecom operator may assign the same number to a new customer.

The new subscriber could then encounter an existing WhatsApp profile associated with that number. This can create confusion about account ownership and expose users to impersonation or other fraudulent activities.

The PTA’s coordination with Meta is intended to identify these situations and remove accounts associated with numbers that have been recycled.

Pakistan Has Around 16 Million Recycled Mobile Numbers

The scale of the issue is significant.

According to PTA officials cited in the report, telecom operators in Pakistan currently hold approximately 16 million recycled mobile numbers.

The regulator has already shared around 10 million of these numbers with Meta for verification and identification of associated WhatsApp accounts.

The figures highlight the potential scale of the challenge facing telecom operators and digital platforms.

These figures were reported by ProPakistani based on information attributed to PTA officials.

The 10 million numbers shared with Meta should not be confused with the number of WhatsApp accounts blocked. Not every recycled mobile number necessarily has an active WhatsApp account associated with it.

PTA and Meta Establish a Permanent Monthly Mechanism

The latest action is not being treated as a one-time exercise.

According to the report, the PTA and Meta have agreed on a continuing arrangement under which the regulator will share information about 5,000 recycled mobile numbers with Meta every month.

The platform will use the information to identify WhatsApp accounts associated with those numbers and deactivate them in phases.

This arrangement is intended to provide a more consistent process for addressing the security risks associated with recycled numbers.

It could also help reduce the time during which an old WhatsApp registration remains associated with a number that has already been issued to a different subscriber.

PTA officials also said Meta resolved 82% of complaints forwarded by the regulator during the previous year.

The new mechanism reflects increased coordination between Pakistan’s telecommunications regulator and the company operating WhatsApp.

Can Your WhatsApp Account Be Blocked?

The reported action does not mean that every WhatsApp user in Pakistan is at risk of losing their account.

The primary concern is whether the mobile number registered with WhatsApp is still associated with the person who controls it.

Users who continue to own and use their registered mobile numbers should not assume that their accounts will automatically be blocked because of this announcement.

However, people who have changed their mobile numbers, cancelled their old SIM cards or stopped using a previously registered number should review their WhatsApp account details.

The safest approach is to make sure that the number registered with WhatsApp is one that the user currently owns and can verify.

Who Should Pay Particular Attention?

The following groups should review their account registrations:

• People who changed their mobile numbers but continued using WhatsApp with their previous numbers.
• Subscribers who cancelled an old SIM card without updating their WhatsApp registration.
• People whose mobile numbers have been permanently disconnected.
• Users who have received a replacement number from a telecom operator.
• Overseas Pakistanis who no longer maintain control of their Pakistani mobile numbers.
• People who have switched networks or changed SIM arrangements.

The important issue is not simply whether a SIM card is physically inside a phone. WhatsApp accounts are registered against phone numbers, and users need to maintain control of the number used for verification.

How to Protect Your WhatsApp Account From Number-Related Problems

WhatsApp provides a built-in Change Number feature that allows users to transfer their account information to a new mobile number.

This is particularly useful for people who are changing networks, moving to another country or replacing an old Pakistani number with a new one.

Follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your primary smartphone.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select Account.
4. Tap Change Number.
5. Enter your existing registered number.
6. Enter your new active mobile number.
7. Complete the verification process.
8. Follow the instructions to finish transferring your account.

The feature transfers account information and settings to the new number. This includes your profile information, individual chats and group chats, subject to the applicable backup and transfer conditions.

WhatsApp recommends creating a fresh backup after changing numbers because cloud backups are linked to the phone number used when the backup was created.

Users should also make sure their new number can receive SMS messages or phone calls for verification.

What Should Overseas Pakistanis Do?

The development is particularly relevant to overseas Pakistanis who continue using WhatsApp with Pakistani mobile numbers.

Some people move abroad but retain their original Pakistani number for banking notifications, family communication and other services.

If the Pakistani SIM remains active and the subscriber continues to control the number, the situation is different from a number that has been cancelled and reassigned.

However, users who have lost control of their Pakistani numbers or whose SIM cards have been permanently deactivated should consider transferring their WhatsApp accounts to a number they currently own.

Overseas users should not rely solely on keeping WhatsApp open on an old phone. Continued access to the application does not necessarily mean that they still control the mobile number registered with the account.

The safest long-term option is to maintain an active number that can receive verification codes and use WhatsApp’s official Change Number process when moving to another number.

What Happens If You Receive a Recycled SIM With Someone Else’s WhatsApp Profile?

A new subscriber may sometimes discover that a recently purchased mobile number appears to have been used by someone else on WhatsApp.

This does not automatically mean the previous owner can access the new subscriber’s WhatsApp account.

WhatsApp explains that mobile numbers are sometimes recycled by network operators. Previous account information, such as an old profile photograph or About section, may remain visible before the new subscriber completes registration.

Once the new subscriber verifies the number through WhatsApp’s official process, the account can be registered under their own information.

WhatsApp also explains that a recycled number is identified when an account has been inactive for 45 days and is then reactivated on a new mobile device. In such cases, old account information associated with the number is removed.

New subscribers should never attempt to access another person’s private conversations or impersonate the previous owner.

They should complete the official verification process and configure their own profile and security settings.

Why This Matters for Digital Security in Pakistan

The issue highlights an important challenge created by the reuse of mobile numbers.

A phone number is often used for much more than ordinary calls and text messages. It can be connected to messaging accounts, financial services, online registrations and identity verification systems.

When a number changes ownership, services that remain associated with the previous subscriber can create confusion and security concerns.

The PTA’s arrangement with Meta addresses one part of this problem by targeting WhatsApp accounts linked to recycled numbers.

However, users also have a responsibility to update their account registrations when they change mobile numbers.

Telecom operators, digital platforms and subscribers all play a role in ensuring that recycled numbers are not used to access or misuse someone else’s digital identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many WhatsApp accounts have been blocked in Pakistan?

The PTA has reportedly blocked 176,000 WhatsApp accounts associated with recycled mobile numbers in collaboration with Meta.

Why are WhatsApp accounts being blocked?

The action aims to prevent fraud involving WhatsApp accounts registered against mobile numbers that were cancelled, deactivated and later reassigned to new subscribers.

Will WhatsApp block every inactive Pakistani SIM?

No such blanket action has been announced. The reported initiative focuses on identifying accounts associated with recycled mobile numbers.

How many recycled mobile numbers has the PTA shared with Meta?

The PTA has reportedly shared approximately 10 million recycled mobile numbers with Meta for verification.

How many recycled numbers will be shared each month?

Under the reported arrangement, the PTA will share 5,000 recycled mobile numbers with Meta every month.

What should I do if I changed my Pakistani mobile number?

Use WhatsApp’s official Change Number feature to transfer your account to your new active number. This helps maintain control of your account.

Can overseas Pakistanis continue using WhatsApp with Pakistani numbers?

Yes, provided they continue to control their registered numbers and can meet WhatsApp’s verification requirements. Users who have permanently lost control of an old number should consider transferring their accounts.

Final Takeaway

Pakistan’s telecommunications regulator has stepped up its efforts to address WhatsApp-related fraud involving recycled mobile numbers.

The PTA and Meta have reportedly blocked 176,000 accounts, while approximately 10 million recycled numbers have been shared for verification. A monthly arrangement covering another 5,000 numbers is also expected to continue.

For ordinary WhatsApp users, the key lesson is to ensure that their accounts remain registered with mobile numbers they currently own and control.

Anyone who has changed or cancelled a SIM card should review their WhatsApp registration and use the official Change Number feature where necessary.