In order to safeguard the nation from cyberattacks, generate employment opportunities, and conserve valuable foreign exchange, Pakistan will begin local production of SIM cards and smart cards. “Pakistan plans to start local production of SIMs and smart cards to protect the country from the threat of cyber-attacks as cyber warfare erupts,” states the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority’s annual report. According to official documents, a local physical SIM manufacturer can apparently set up his eSIM management platform and sell eSIM products to mobile network operators (CMOs) using a “Platform as a Service.”
The development of a viable ecosystem and digital transformation are two of the primary objectives of the Pakistani government. SIMs and smart cards are crucial in this day and age of digital services. Local SIM manufacturing has enormous economic advantages over the importation of millions of SIM cards at the moment.
Pakistan Telecommunications Authority
The document says that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) fully supports the role needed to get approvals, follow rules, and start making SIM cards for the telecommunications industry. In many nations, the production of SIM cards and smart cards locally has already established itself as a significant industry that significantly contributes to economic expansion over the long term.
Pakistani officials’ accounts were also hacked by Indian hackers. However, Pakistan was able to repel the attack with success. The government wants him to begin manufacturing SIM cards and smart cards following the implementation of the policy governing the manufacturing of mobile devices. The Ministry of Information Technology and Communications will, according to one plan, invite investors to manufacture these cards. In order to move forward with the plan that has been proposed, the Ministry of Information Technology is currently requesting the ECC’s approval. The Ministry of Information Technology stated in a summary that was sent to economic decision-making bodies that one of the primary goals of the Pakistani government is digital transformation and the creation of an enabling ecosystem. It also stated that digital services, SIMs, and It states that we are in the era of smart cards. has been of the utmost significance.
The ministry stated that there were a number of reasons why it felt the need to encourage domestic production of these cards and chips. A committee for the production of SIM cards and smart cards has been established by the government. The Prime Minister directed the establishment of a Plenipotentiary Commission to make recommendations in order to move forward. From a business perspective, it benefits the economy by preserving valuable foreign exchange, generating employment opportunities, and raising tax revenue. In addition, from a research and development point of view, it presents yet another practical facet of science.
Soft SIM
New SIM variants like Embedded SIM (eSIM), Soft SIM, and Integrated SIM (iSIM) have been developed by manufacturers worldwide in response to advancements in SIM technology. Physical SIM cards are not an option at all with any of these choices. Consequently, a local manufacturer of physical SIM cards was able to establish an eSIM management platform and sell eSIM products to his CMOS. By better managing the supply chain and decreasing the likelihood that imported products will introduce vulnerabilities, Pakistan will be able to better defend itself against cyberattacks by producing smart cards and SIM cards locally.
By assisting in the growth of domestic manufacturing, it can not only save valuable foreign currency but also contribute to the creation of employment opportunities.
The Engineering Development Board (EDB), Mobile Operators (CMOS), Law Enforcement Agencies, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were among the affected stakeholders with whom the Commission met in a series of meetings. The Ministry of Information Technology and Communications has provided the Prime Minister’s Office with a comprehensive report.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office received a summary with strategic action recommendations. These suggestions were dictated by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
