Our mobile phones play a huge role in our lives. We use them for money, messaging, banking, social media, business and just staying in touch. Because of this, the security of the mobile number and the identity tied to it is becoming more important than ever. In Pakistan, every SIM (mobile connection) needs to be linked with a valid identity which is your 13-digit CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card). The risk: someone else could register SIMs in your name, or you might not know how many SIMs are registered under your CNIC. That’s why a service like IMSIData is extremely useful — it allows you to do what’s called a reverse lookup by CNIC, and check all the SIMs linked to your identity. In this guide I will walk you through what this means, why it matters, how it works, what to watch out for, and how to use IMSIData safely so you stay protected.
What is a CNIC – and why it matters
Your CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) is the official identity document issued to Pakistani citizens by the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA).
It has a unique 13-digit number and it’s the key ID for many transactions: mobile registration, bank accounts, passports, etc. Because every SIM must be registered using a valid CNIC, your CNIC number is tied to each SIM registered under your name.
When you do a reverse lookup on your CNIC, you check how many SIMs are registered to that specific ID. If you find unknown SIMs or ones you don’t recognise, those could be used for fraud or misuse. That’s why being aware of all the SIMs linked to your CNIC is important for your digital security.
What is a Reverse Lookup of CNIC vs. normal lookup
Normal lookup: You have a mobile number and you try to find the owner (name, address, etc).
Reverse lookup: You have a CNIC (or identity number) and you try to find all the mobile numbers (SIMs) linked to it.
In other words: instead of “which CNIC is linked to this SIM?”, you ask “which SIMs or mobile numbers are linked to this CNIC?” That way you are checking from your identity rather than from a random number.
Why you might want to check SIMs linked to your CNIC
Here are several good reasons:
Security and fraud protection – If someone uses your ID to register SIMs, they could do harmful things (scams, fraud) in your name. By checking your CNIC, you can spot unknown SIMs.
SIM registration limits – The telecom regulators limit how many SIMs one CNIC can have. If you exceed, you might face issues or unknown SIMs might be active.
Account integrity – For bank, mobile wallet or other services you want to make sure nobody else is using your identity.
Maintain updated records – Sometimes you may have old / prepaid SIMs you forgot about; knowing them helps you deactivate what you don’t need.
Legal / business verification – If you run a business and you’re verifying staff or partners, checking the SIM-CNIC linkage assures you that identity and number match.
Overview of the Pakistani context: telecom regulation & CNIC-SIM linking
In Pakistan:
Every SIM must be registered under a CNIC.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and NADRA oversee this process.
There is an SMS service for checking how many SIMs are registered under a CNIC. For example, the code “668” can be used for checking number of SIMs tied to your CNIC.
Telecom networks require biometric verification, ensuring the person registering the SIM is truly the CNIC holder.
This means your CNIC is the anchor in the database of mobile numbers.
What exactly does IMSIData offer?
IMSIData is a platform that allows you to check SIM and CNIC ownership information in Pakistan. According to the site: you can input a SIM number or a CNIC number and retrieve:
Name of the registered owner.
Address as per CNIC registration.
All mobile numbers (SIMs) registered under that CNIC.
This makes it a handy tool when you suspect something is amiss, or want to verify your own registration status. The platform emphasises that it is free to use (or at least has free search features).
How to use IMSIData for CNIC reverse lookup
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Open IMSIData in your browser.
Choose the “CNIC Tracker” or “Reverse CNIC Lookup” option. (If labeled differently, look for “Check SIMs against CNIC.”)
Enter your 13-digit CNIC number without the dashes (for example: 1234512345678).
Complete any CAPTCHA or human-verification required.
Submit / Search.
The result will display:
Your registered name.
Your address (as per CNIC record).
A list of all mobile numbers (SIMs) that are currently active or registered under your CNIC.
Review the list carefully. Identify numbers that you do not recognise.
If you find suspicious entries, you should contact your mobile provider (operator) or visit their franchise with your CNIC to deactivate or block the un-wanted SIM(s).
For your own records: screenshot or print the summary of your search results for future reference.
What you should check when you get the list of SIMs
When you have the list of SIMs registered under your CNIC, check these things:
Do you recognise all the numbers listed? Are they yours, or belong to a family member you authorised?
Are any numbers old / inactive? If yes, you may want to deactivate them to avoid misuse.
Is the count of SIMs within the allowed limit per CNIC (i.e., that you know of)? If many unknown or extra numbers, that’s a red flag.
Are any numbers currently in use by someone else you did not authorise? That must be addressed immediately.
If you find unknown numbers, note them down including network (if provided) and date of registration if shown. That will help when you visit your operator.
What to do if you find unauthorized SIMs under your CNIC
Finding unauthorised SIMs can be alarming. Here’s what to do:
Visit your network provider’s official franchise or authorised dealer. Bring your original CNIC and a copy of the search results if possible.
Fill out the SIM deactivation/blocking form. Provide the number(s) you wish to deactivate.
Ask for confirmation (sms or printed receipt) from the operator that the SIM has been blocked. Keep that for your records.
Report the issue to PTA through their complaint mechanism or app, if required.
Monitor your mobile account, bank / wallet alerts and any unusual activity (OTP messages, calls you don’t recognise).
Change your related passwords (banking, wallets, social media) as a precaution.
If needed, request your provider to give you a fresh SIM in your name and transfer your mobile number to ensure you have full control.
How to check your SIM-CNIC linkage via official methods
If you prefer the official government route, here are recognized methods in Pakistan:
SMS method: Send your CNIC number to 668. You will receive the total count of SIMs registered under your CNIC plus network names.
Online portal: official PTA SIM Information System (via their website) where you can enter your CNIC and view SIMs registered.
Via your mobile network operator’s customer service centre: They can check the number of SIMs linked to your CNIC and help you block any extra ones.
Using IMSIData is an added tool because it gives you a listing and more details beyond just count.
Why IMSIData might be preferred
User-friendly: It provides the direct listing of numbers rather than just counts.
Free or low cost: For basic checks you don’t pay (as advertised).
Quick access: If you suspect someone is misusing your identity you want results fast.
Convenience: You can do the lookup online from home rather than visiting a physical centre.
Verification: It helps you verify that your CNIC-SIM catalogue matches your expectations.
Important things to keep in mind / disclaimers
When using any such service including IMSIData, keep these in mind:
Ensure you are using the correct website of IMSIData (check domain, SSL certificate, etc) since there may be fake sites claiming similar functionality.
Respect privacy and legal boundaries: just because you can view someone’s data does not mean you abuse it. Use it for your own account safety.
The data may not always be 100% accurate or up-to-date: Telecom networks and databases have delays.
If a SIM is recently added it may not yet appear in the listing.
If you find unknown SIMs, act fast but patiently (the deactivation process may take days).
Always keep your CNIC secure. Do not share it recklessly.
Beware of sites/apps asking for payment or personal login just to view your own CNIC-SIM listing; some may be scams.
Step-by-step example (hypothetical)
Let’s walk through a hypothetical example for clarity:
You go to IMSIData and choose “Reverse CNIC Lookup”.
You enter your CNIC: 42101-1234567-1 (just for example; real one don’t share).
The result shows:
Name: Ali Khan
Address: Karachi
SIMs registered:
• 0345-1234567 (Network: Jazz)
• 0312-7654321 (Network: Zong)
• 0300-1112223 (Network: Ufone)
• 0321-0001110 (Network: Telenor)
You recognise first three numbers: your own mobile, your wife’s mobile, your father’s mobile. But the fourth number 0300-0001110 you do not recognise.
You note it down, screenshot the result for your records.
You visit the Telenor franchise with your CNIC and ask them to block the number 0321-0001110 as it is unknown to you.
You also send a complaint to PTA via their channel referencing “unauthorised SIM registered under my CNIC”.
After a few days you get confirmation that the unknown SIM is blocked. You now feel your CNIC-SIM linkage is clean and you keep monitoring half-yearly.
How often should you check your CNIC-SIM listing?
Ideally every six months at minimum.
Immediately if you receive OTPs, verification messages for numbers you don’t own.
Whenever you change mobile network operator, move city, or add family members’ numbers under your CNIC.
Whenever you suspect identity theft or SIM misuse.
Common problems and how to handle them
Problem: I receive OTPs or messages for numbers I don’t use
What to do: Immediately check your CNIC-SIM listing. If you find unknown numbers, block them. Also inform your bank/wallet to watch for unusual activity.
Problem: I don’t recognise a number on the list but it belongs to my family
What to do: Verify with your family member. If it is indeed theirs, document it and keep track. If not, block it.
Problem: There are more SIMs than the allowed limit
What to do: Count the total. If you are over the limit, either ask the additional numbers to be removed or officially deactivate them. Communicate with your network provider.
Problem: The service doesn’t show all numbers or seems incomplete
What to do: Remember that updates may lag. Also check with your operator directly. You may want to do the manual SMS “668” check as backup.
Problem: I’m unsure the database is accurate
What to do: Treat it as a helpful tool, not final truth. Always verify with the operator or via official PTA portal.
Benefits of doing the lookup regularly
Peace of mind: knowing your identity (CNIC) is not being misused for mobile registrations.
Active control: you manage the SIMs under your name and remove what you don’t need.
Reduce risk: fewer unknown numbers means lower chance of fraud, scams tied to your ID.
Better data hygiene: your telecom records are clean, which helps when you apply for services needing mobile verification.
Audit readiness: if you ever need to show proof of which SIMs you authorize (bank, employer), you have documentation.
Things you might learn from the listing
The exact number of SIMs registered under your CNIC.
The network operators for each SIM.
Possibly date of registration (depending on platform).
If any SIM was registered under your CNIC but you don’t recognise.
Whether the count matches your expectation.
Why this is particularly relevant now
Telecom fraud and identity theft have increased globally, including Pakistan.
Many services rely on mobile number verification (bank, wallet, social media) so a number under your CNIC which you don’t control is a risk.
Mobile networks are offering more services (data, wallet, etc). A malicious number under your CNIC could be abused.
Regulation demands stronger CNIC-SIM linkage and verification.
With remote work, digital identity is more important than ever, so you want to be sure your CNIC isn’t tied to unknown mobile assets.
How to protect yourself besides doing the lookup
Keep your CNIC secure. Don’t share your number except when absolutely needed.
Always ask for biometric confirmation when registering new SIMs. Don’t handover CNIC to untrusted persons.
Use your own number as primary and ensure all changes to your mobile account (ownership transfer, SIM swap) require your biometric.
Remove or deactivate old/prepaid SIMs you no longer use.
Monitor your bank/wallet/mobile notifications for unusual OTPs or verification messages you didn’t trigger.
Regularly update your contact information with your operator so you receive alerts for changes under your account.
Use strong passwords on mobile-related services.
If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint with PTA and/or NADRA immediately.
Can someone else check my CNIC-SIM listing without my permission?
In theory, if someone has your CNIC number they could attempt to check SIMs registered under it. That is why:
You should treat your CNIC number as sensitive, like a password.
Use services that have CAPTCHA or verification steps and whose domain you trust (like IMSIData) to ensure your data is not being misused.
If you notice you never did a lookup but someone changed your SIMs, you should take action.
Legal considerations
The telecom regulator (PTA) mandates SIM registration with CNIC and biometric verification. This means SIM registration is legally tied to identity.
Using CNIC or mobile number information for illegal purposes (harassment, spying) is against law. Use lookup tools responsibly.
If you find unauthorised SIMs linked to your CNIC you are entitled to report it and have it removed.
Always verify you are using an authorised or legitimate platform (like IMSIData) and not a site offering data illegally or insecurely.
Protect your data privacy. Be careful when giving CNIC info.
Addressing common myths
Myth: “If a number is registered under my CNIC it must be me using it.”
Fact: Not necessarily. Sometimes numbers are registered by error, or someone else used your CNIC, or the operator didn’t update records properly. That’s why you need regular checks.
Myth: “If there are no extra SIMs listed then I am safe.”
Fact: While that is good, being safe also means continuous monitoring. Databases could lag; new SIMs could be added. It’s not a one-time check.
Myth: “I don’t have any risk because I don’t use many SIMs.”
Fact: Even if you use only one SIM, someone else could register another in your name without your knowledge. The check is about being proactive.
How IMSIData helps with user-friendly experience
Straight-forward interface: you enter CNIC, click search.
Instant results: you get a list of linked SIMs.
Helps you verify your region’s telecom networks (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor etc).
Free access (for basic checks) so you don’t have to pay just to know.
Gives you peace of mind and a tool to act.
Potential limitations of IMSIData and similar platforms
Data may not be real-time; there could be delay in registration updates.
Some older or inactive SIMs may still appear though they have been deactivated.
The platform may not show extra details like date of registration or full history.
If the SIM was registered illegally under your CNIC and the operator hasn’t verified yet, it may not show up.
If the service is overloaded or website busy, you could face downtime.
What to do if IMSIData search fails or shows error
Check your internet connection or try a different browser.
Confirm you entered the correct CNIC number (13 digits, no dashes).
Wait a few hours and try again (maybe system maintenance).
If still failing, use the official PTA route (SMS 668 or online portal) to cross-check.
Contact IMSIData support or your telecom operator for help.
How this benefits different user-groups
Individual users: Know your number(s), protect your identity, clear unwanted SIMs.
Families: Parents can check numbers registered under their CNIC and those of their children (if registered under them) and remove unused ones.
Small businesses: Owners can verify staff mobile numbers and ensure they are properly registered under correct IDs.
Freelancers/digital workers: Since many services verify via mobile numbers, you’ll want your number under your name only and no extra ones mislinked.
Property/loan applicants: Lenders sometimes check mobile linkage for identity verification; having accurate SIM-CNIC listing helps.
You can visit IMSIData and use the reverse CNIC lookup feature. Enter your 13-digit CNIC and view all numbers linked. Alternatively, you can send your CNIC via SMS to 668 and receive the total count plus network names.
You should immediately visit the franchise of your telecom operator with your CNIC and request blocking or deactivation of those numbers. Also, send a complaint to PTA if necessary and monitor your account/activity for suspicious actions.
Generally you should only check SIMs under your own CNIC or with explicit consent. Misusing personal identity information or accessing someone else’s listing without permission may violate privacy laws or telecom regulations.
It’s good practice to check at least every six months. Also check immediately if you receive OTPs or verification messages you didn’t trigger, or suspect someone else is using your identity.
While IMSIData strives to provide accurate data, no system is perfect. Some registrations may be recent and not yet updated. Always verify via your telecom operator or official PTA portal if needed. Use the results as a helpful overview rather than an absolute guarantee.
Conclusion
Knowing which mobile numbers (SIMs) are linked to your CNIC is no longer optional – it’s an important step in protecting your identity and staying safe in a mobile-driven world. With IMSIData, you can perform a reverse lookup on your CNIC, see all the SIMs registered under your name, and take action to clean up any old, unknown, or suspicious connections.
Whether you are an individual user, a parent or a business owner, the process is simple and the benefits are real: security, clarity, and control. Be proactive. Check your listing. Block what you don’t recognise. Keep your identity tied only to the numbers you trust.
If you want, I can walk you through a screenshot-by-screenshot guide of using IMSIData, or compare alternative tools too. Just let me know!