Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Banned by Rehman Malik

The government barring cell phone subscribers from switching over to other networks while retaining the number issued by the first service provider, has prohibited (banned) mobile number portability (MNP).

The reason behind the ban of MNP is the meeting discussing the law and order situation, mainly in Sindh and Balochistan, and security arrangements for Muharram, took the decision by Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday, reported Dawn.

Top police officers and home secretaries from the provinces, representatives of intelligence agencies and senior officials of the interior ministry attended the meeting.

According to an official, the MNP facility was creating problems in tracking down criminals’ whereabouts.

An official of a cellular company said he was unaware of the reason behind any such decision. “We can only say something after receiving an official communication. I wonder if it is a temporary arrangement or a complete ban.”

Other important decisions taken at the meeting included a new procedure for issuing subscriber identity module (SIM) for mobile phones. A SIM will now be issued only on production of a computerised national identity card and utility bills.