Pakistan's telecommunications regulator, the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority), has directed all mobile network operators to enforce a minimum 180-day validity period for prepaid balance, following complaints that two carriers were cancelling SIMs or forfeiting unused credit prematurely. The directive comes after consumers complained against Zong and Telenor Pakistan — the latter now merged with state-owned PTCL under the Ufone brand — alleging that balances were being wiped without being carried over to subsequent recharges. The policy, which takes effect on 1 October, is significant given that around 97 per cent of mobile subscribers across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are prepaid users, making the practice a widespread financial burden, particularly for low-income consumers.