PTA introduces new policy for 180-day mobile balance validity
New rules for prepaid users
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed all mobile operators to keep prepaid mobile balance and recharges valid for at least 180 days.
The new PTA new policy will take effect from October 1, 2026. It will give customers more time to use their prepaid mobile balance before it expires.
The authority said the move is aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring that all mobile companies follow the same minimum validity period.
Under the new rules, users will have a much longer period to use the balance they add to their numbers.
PTA addresses balance expiry
The regulator has also issued instructions about mobile balance expiry.
If a customer’s balance expires but the SIM remains active and usable, the expired amount must be restored when the customer recharges the number, according to the Consumer Protection Regulations.
This part of the PTA new policy could provide additional relief to prepaid customers who do not regularly recharge or use their complete balance.
The PTA said the move is part of its efforts to strengthen consumer protection and encourage fair practices in the telecom sector.
What users need to know
The new 180-day balance validity means prepaid customers will get more time before their balance expires.
The change is expected to be especially useful for people who use mobile services occasionally or do not consume their entire balance quickly.
The regulator wants all operators to follow the same minimum standard, making the rules easier for customers to understand.
The PTA mobile balance policy could also reduce complaints from users who previously lost unused amounts because of short validity periods.
Customers should also remember that the restoration rule applies when the SIM remains active and usable.
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Major relief for prepaid customers
The prepaid mobile balance rule represents a significant change in how long customers can retain their recharge amounts.
The PTA believes the longer validity period will provide better protection for consumers.
The mobile balance expiry clarification is another important part of the policy because it gives eligible users a way to recover expired amounts after recharging an active number.
From October 1, mobile operators will be required to follow the new minimum period.
