In a significant ruling, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has mandated the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to develop and enforce regulations aimed at curtailing the use of illegal mobile SIM cards, a decision underscored by national security concerns. This directive emerged during a case involving Muhammad Usman, who was accused of selling unregistered SIM cards. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh emphasized the potential misuse of such SIMs in terrorist activities, stating, "We have already faced terrorism, and our nation has made great sacrifices. We cannot afford illegal SIMs to be used in terrorism" (Dunya News, February 19, 2026). The urgency of this ruling reflects the court's recognition of the broader implications of illegal SIM usage on public safety and security. The hearing was adjourned until Monday, with the court requesting progress on these issues, indicating ongoing judicial scrutiny of the case against Usman under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NCTA).