PTA cuts eSIM fee to Rs1,500, allows 10 free transfers

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reduced the charges for eSIM services. The PTA has set the initial eSIM fee at Rs. 1,500 and allowed users to transfer an eSIM from one phone to another up to 10 times free of charge. The new policy will come into effect on August 17, 2026.

The decision was taken following directions from a parliamentary committee which had asked the PTA to make eSIM services more user-friendly. The committee also sought to reduce the need for subscribers to visit customer service centres for eSIM-related services.

According to the PTA, the existing system already allows users to transfer an eSIM between phones multiple times by using the same QR code provided during the original purchase and activation. As a result, no additional charges are applied for these transfers.

However, following consultations with cellular operators, the regulator has now formally revised the charging structure. The maximum initial eSIM fee has been reduced to Rs. 1,500 while subscribers will be allowed up to 10 free eSIM transfers between compatible devices.

In addition, the PTA is working with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and cellular operators to improve SIM security. The regulator plans to introduce a new multi-factor subscriber verification system to strengthen the verification process for SIM issuance and ownership.