The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has fixed a minimum validity period of 180 days for prepaid mobile recharge and balance, with the new requirement set to take effect from October 1, 2026.
According to a PTA press release issued on August 27, the minimum validity of recharge or balance offered by all mobile operators has been set at 180 days.
The PTA said the decision had been taken in the interest of consumers and formed part of its efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.
Under the new requirement, prepaid subscribers will have at least 180 days to use their purchased balance, providing them with a longer period before the balance validity expires.
The authority also clarified that consumers will not permanently lose expired balance if they recharge their number while the SIM remains usable.
Under the Consumer Protection Regulations, if the balance validity expires and the consumer subsequently makes a recharge while the SIM is still in a usable state, the expired balance will automatically be restored and become available for use.
The decision is expected to provide relief to prepaid subscribers who are unable to use their balance within shorter validity periods and subsequently face expiry of their remaining credit.
The PTA said it remains committed to protecting consumers’ rights, promoting a fair business environment and encouraging innovation in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
