Prepaid Balance Validity Now 180 Days; Expired Credit Restored on Recharge
PTA has set a minimum prepaid balance validity of 180 days from 1 October 2026, and expired balance must be restored on the next recharge. What changes.
Under a new PTA rule, prepaid balance validity must be at least 180 days on every recharge across all mobile operators from 1 October 2026. If your balance still expires, it must be automatically restored when you recharge again, as long as your SIM remains active, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
What changed in prepaid balance validity
| Before | From 1 October 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance validity | Set by each operator, often around 30 days | At least 180 days on every recharge |
| Expired balance | Could be lost permanently | Restored automatically on the next recharge while the SIM is active |
| Coverage | Varied by operator | All operators in Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan |
Sources: PTA announcement reported by Pakistan Observer and PhoneWorld.
Why PTA made the change
About 97% of mobile subscribers in Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan use prepaid connections, according to PTA. The regulator received repeated complaints from users who lost unused balance after the validity period ended. In February 2026, PTA published a consultation paper on recharge and balance validity and invited comments from the public and operators before deciding. It also pointed to international practice, such as UK operators where prepaid balance stays valid while the SIM is active.
PTA has also warned operators against unfair commercial practices while implementing the rule.
What it means for prepaid users
- A small recharge now stays usable for at least six months instead of disappearing after a short period.
- If your balance has expired, simply recharge any amount; the old balance should be added back.
- Keep your SIM active. The rule protects balance during the SIM’s active life; it does not stop a SIM from being deactivated under separate SIM rules.
- If your operator does not restore your balance, complain to the operator first and then to PTA through its complaint system.
Also read about the new PTA SIM blocking rules and the Zong Z HomeFi 5G home broadband plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new prepaid balance validity in Pakistan?
At least 180 days on every recharge, from 1 October 2026.
Will I get my expired balance back?
Yes. Expired balance must be restored automatically on your next recharge, as long as the SIM is still active.
Does this apply to all networks?
Yes. It applies to all cellular mobile operators in Pakistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
