The new PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry could bring a major change to Pakistan’s telecom sector, especially for millions of prepaid mobile users. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has suggested that unused prepaid mobile balance should remain valid for the entire active life of a SIM card instead of expiring after a limited period.
In Pakistan, nearly 97% of mobile subscribers use prepaid services. For years, many users have complained that their remaining balance is forfeited once the validity period ends. Currently, cellular mobile operators apply different validity rules, ranging from 30 days to even 365 days depending on the recharge amount. After that period, unused credit is often confiscated.
The PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry aims to address these concerns. According to the regulator, prepaid balance represents money that consumers have already paid in advance. Therefore, it should be treated as the subscriber’s personal funds rather than operator revenue. This perspective shifts the conversation from a technical telecom policy to a consumer rights issue.
Why This Proposal Matters
Many users in Pakistan maintain low balances on their phones. Others keep secondary SIMs for specific purposes, such as data usage or business contacts. There are also people who travel abroad or temporarily stop using their SIMs due to personal reasons. In such cases, their balance often expires before they can use it.
Under the PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry, this situation would change significantly. Instead of losing their credit, users would retain it as long as their SIM remains active under PTA’s standard operating procedures for SIM sale and activation.
This move could increase consumer trust and transparency in the telecom market. It may also encourage more responsible use of services, as customers would not feel pressured to consume their balance before an expiry deadline.
Key Features of the Proposed Framework
The consultation paper outlines several important changes:
- Prepaid balance would remain valid for the entire active life of the SIM.
- The balance would be linked directly to the subscriber’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
- If a SIM is deactivated and no other SIM exists on the same network under that CNIC, the remaining balance could either be restored on a new SIM issued on the same network or refunded through a bank transfer or mobile wallet after proper verification.
This part of the PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry is particularly significant. It introduces the possibility of refunds, which has rarely been offered in the past. Refunds would be subject to CNIC verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements to ensure security and prevent fraud.
Learning from International Practices
The regulator has also referred to international best practices. For example, in the United Kingdom, operators such as Vodafone UK allow prepaid balances to remain valid as long as the SIM is active. Some operators even permit refunds of unused credit within a specific timeframe after disconnection.
By citing such examples, PTA appears to be aligning Pakistan’s telecom regulations with global standards. If implemented, the PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry could modernize the country’s prepaid system and improve its regulatory framework.
Impact on Telecom Operators
While the proposal is consumer-friendly, it may present operational and financial challenges for cellular operators. Forfeited balances currently contribute to operator revenues. Removing expiry rules could require companies to adjust their accounting practices and revenue models.
However, stronger consumer confidence may ultimately benefit operators in the long run. When customers feel protected and fairly treated, brand loyalty tends to improve. Transparent policies can also reduce complaints and disputes, saving administrative costs.
Public Consultation and Deadline
PTA has invited feedback from telecom operators, subscribers, and the general public before finalizing its decision. Stakeholders can submit their comments to the Director (Commercial Affairs) at PTA Headquarters in Islamabad. The deadline for feedback is March 16, 2026.
Public consultation is an important step in regulatory reforms. It ensures that all perspectives—consumer rights, industry sustainability, and technological feasibility—are considered before implementation.
A Step Toward Consumer Protection
The PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry reflects a broader trend toward stronger consumer protection in Pakistan’s digital economy. As mobile services become essential for communication, banking, education, and business, fair policies are increasingly important.
If approved, this change could set a new standard in the telecom sector. It would reinforce the idea that prepaid balance belongs to the customer and should not disappear simply because a validity date has passed.
The PTA proposal to end prepaid balance expiry has the potential to reshape Pakistan’s prepaid mobile market. By protecting user funds and introducing refund options, the regulator is signaling a shift toward greater transparency and accountability. The coming months will determine whether this proposal becomes a landmark reform in Pakistan’s telecom industry.
