Complete Ban on Pakistani SIM Cards in Jaisalmer Amid Security Concerns

Jaipur, June 3: The district administration of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has imposed a complete ban on the use and possession of Pakistani SIM cards in border areas, citing serious national security concerns.

District Collector and Magistrate Anupama Jorwal issued this directive under Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code (BNSS), 2023.

According to the order, any use of Pakistani SIM cards, their possession, or communication through them is strictly prohibited in the border regions of Jaisalmer. The administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators.

Officials indicated that offenders could face arrest and prosecution under relevant security laws.

Additional District Magistrate Parsa Ram emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in this sensitive border district. He stated that such orders are periodically issued based on the prevailing security situation.

Authorities noted that signals from mobile towers located in Pakistan can reach Indian territory up to 3 to 4 kilometers from the international border. This allows for easy communication through Pakistani SIM cards in certain areas.

Intelligence agencies have raised concerns that this capability could be exploited for espionage or anti-national activities.

Government sources revealed that signals from several mobile towers established on the Pakistani side reach villages near the India-Pakistan border. This network access enables the use of Pakistani local SIM cards in parts of Jaisalmer, which poses a significant security threat.

Previously, similar restrictions have been imposed due to border security concerns. Security and intelligence agencies fear that suspicious or anti-social elements might use the Pakistani network to transmit sensitive information across the border.

Officials have stated that monitoring communications through foreign SIM networks is challenging within the Indian telecommunications system. This increases the risk of clandestine communications and leaks of sensitive information.

For these reasons, the administration has deemed this issue a serious threat to national security. This order reflects the heightened vigilance in Jaisalmer, a sensitive border district where security agencies continuously monitor communication networks and public activities.