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    Meta shuts down 176,000 Whats. App accounts on PTA's request

    Sajal Ali•November 6, 2026• 1 min read
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    Meta shuts down 176,000 Whats. App accounts on PTA's request
    Tech CoverageAman-e-Pakistan Digital Desk
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    “Meta has blocked 176,000 Whats. App accounts registered on recycled mobile numbers following a request from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), as authorities move to curb cyber fraud involv…”

    PTA officials said Meta shut down the accounts after receiving details from the telecom regulator. Telecom operators currently hold around 16 million recycled mobile numbers, of which the PTA had shared details of 10 million numbers with Meta.

    The PTA and Meta have also agreed on a mechanism to identify and block Whats. App accounts linked to inactive numbers. Under the arrangement, details of 5,000 recycled mobile numbers will be shared with Meta every month, and accounts associated with these numbers will be blocked in phases.

    PTA officials further revealed that Meta resolved 82% of the complaints received last year, reflecting the progress made through cooperation between the regulator and the technology company.

    S

    Written by Sajal Ali

    Aman-e-Pakistan Senior Journalist & Bureau Reporter

    Fact Checked & Verified

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