In Pakistan’s mobile verification ecosystem, two short codes — 667 and 668 — are among the most useful tools available to every SIM holder. While most Pakistanis have heard of 668 for CNIC-linked SIM checking, the 667 service is less understood but equally important: it handles Mobile Number Portability (MNP) — the process of verifying SIM ownership and moving your mobile number from one network to another without changing the number itself.
This guide covers everything about MNP 667 in Pakistan: what the service does, how to use it for SIM owner verification, how porting your number works step by step, the difference between 667 and 668, common issues and their solutions, and how MNP affects your PTA registration records.
Quick Fact: 667 is Pakistan’s official Mobile Number Portability service code. Sending your CNIC to 667 initiates a SIM ownership verification process linked to porting. For checking all SIMs on your CNIC without porting, use 668 instead.
What Is MNP 667 in Pakistan?
MNP (Mobile Number Portability) is a PTA-regulated service that allows Pakistani mobile subscribers to keep their existing phone number while switching from one network operator to another. The 667 short code is the primary interface for initiating and managing this process.
What 667 enables:
- Initiating a number port from one network to another (e.g., Jazz → Zong)
- Verifying the ownership of a SIM before porting is approved
- Checking port status during an ongoing port request
- Cancelling a port-in request
What 667 does NOT do:
- It does not show all SIMs on your CNIC (that is 668’s function)
- It does not block unauthorized SIMs
- It is not a fraud reporting service
Understanding this distinction is critical — many Pakistanis confuse 667 and 668. They are different services used for different purposes, though both involve SIM identity verification.
667 vs 668 — Complete Comparison
This is the most common point of confusion among Pakistani mobile users:
| Feature | 667 (MNP Service) | 668 (SIM Verification) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Number portability (switching networks) | Check SIMs on your CNIC |
| What you send | CNIC number | CNIC number |
| What you receive | Port initiation / ownership verification | List of all registered SIMs |
| Used for fraud detection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used for network switching | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Works from any network | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free service | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| PTA regulated | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NADRA database linked | ✅ Yes (ownership verification) | ✅ Yes (real-time CNIC lookup) |
Rule of thumb:
- Want to see all SIMs on your CNIC → use 668
- Want to switch your number to a different network → use 667
For complete guidance on the 668 SIM verification service and the full Pakistan SIM database infrastructure, visit simsownersdetails.pk/sim-database/.
How MNP 667 Works — The Technical Process
Understanding the backend of MNP helps you navigate the process smoothly:
Step 1 — Port Request Initiation: The subscriber sends their CNIC to 667. The system identifies the subscriber’s current network and initiates an ownership verification.
Step 2 — Ownership Verification: PTA’s MNP system verifies that the CNIC matches the registered owner of the number being ported. This prevents criminals from porting someone else’s number to a SIM they control — a form of SIM hijacking.
Step 3 — Donor Network Notification: The current “donor” operator (the one you are leaving) receives a port request notification. They have a legally mandated window to object — typically only if the number is under a contract or has a pending active complaint.
Step 4 — Recipient Network Activation: If no valid objection is raised, the “recipient” operator (the one you are moving to) activates the number on their network.
Step 5 — PTA Database Update: PTA’s MNP database and the CSRS are updated to reflect the new network. The number remains the same but is now linked to the new operator.
Step 6 — Old SIM Deactivation: Your old operator’s SIM deactivates automatically once the port is complete.
How to Port Your Number via MNP 667 — Step-by-Step Guide
Prerequisites Before Porting:
- Your current SIM must be active and biometrically verified (BVS confirmed)
- No outstanding dues or active contract with your current operator
- No pending fraud complaints on your number
- Your CNIC must be valid and match the SIM’s registration record
Step-by-Step Porting Process:
Step 1: Confirm your decision. Porting is reversible but the process takes time. Ensure you want to switch networks permanently or for the long term.
Step 2: Get a new SIM from your target network (the network you want to move to).
- Visit any franchise of the target operator
- Tell them you want to port your existing number to their network
- Provide your CNIC and the number you want to port
- They will give you a new SIM and initiate the port request
Step 3: The franchise initiates the port by sending your CNIC to 667 on your behalf — or you can initiate directly from your current SIM:
- Open SMS app
- New message to:
667 - Message body: Your 13-digit CNIC number (no dashes)
- Send the message (free)
Step 4: You will receive an SMS confirming your port request has been received, with a Port Request ID. Keep this ID for tracking.
Step 5: The port request goes through PTA’s MNP system. The donor operator has up to 8 working hours to raise a valid objection.
Step 6: If no valid objection is raised, the port is approved. You will receive an SMS confirming the port approval and the time it will be effective.
Step 7: At the scheduled time (typically within 2–24 hours of approval), your number switches to the new network. Your old SIM stops working and your new SIM activates with your existing number.
Step 8: Verify the port is complete by making a call or checking your new SIM’s signal.
What Happens to Your PTA Registration During Porting?
This is an important question that affects your CNIC’s SIM record:
Registration remains under your CNIC: When you port from Jazz to Zong, the number stays registered under your CNIC in PTA’s database. Only the network operator label changes from Jazz to Zong.
BVS status transfers: Your biometric verification is not lost during porting — the ownership verification during the MNP process confirms the biometric link is maintained.
668 results update: After a successful port, your 668 check will show the same number but now labeled under the new network. This typically updates within 30–60 minutes of the port completing.
What does NOT happen:
- The port does not change your CNIC’s SIM count (you still have the same number of SIMs — just on a different network)
- The port does not affect any other SIMs on your CNIC
- The port does not affect your number’s history or your existing contacts
How MNP 667 Protects Against Unauthorized Porting
PTA built ownership verification into the 667 process specifically to prevent a category of fraud called unauthorized porting — where criminals attempt to port your number to a SIM they control:
How unauthorized porting fraud works (without protection):
- Criminal has your CNIC and mobile number (from a data breach or social engineering)
- They visit a franchise of a different network and request to port your number
- The port activates — your original SIM stops working
- They now control your number and all associated OTPs
How PTA’s 667 ownership verification prevents this:
- The MNP process requires biometric verification of the registered CNIC holder
- The donor operator sends an SMS notification to your current SIM before the port is approved
- You can cancel an unauthorized port by replying with a cancellation code
- PTA requires the registered CNIC owner’s biometric confirmation for port approval
What to do if you receive an unexpected port approval SMS:
- Do NOT ignore it — reply to cancel immediately as per the instructions in the SMS
- Call your current operator’s helpline immediately
- Call PTA at 0800-55055 to flag an unauthorized port attempt
- Do not switch off your phone — keep your current SIM active until the threat is resolved
How to Cancel a Port Request (Before It Completes)
If you submitted a port request by mistake or want to cancel a pending port:
Via SMS:
- Reply to the port confirmation SMS with the cancellation code provided in the message
- Or send “CANCEL [Port Request ID]” to 667
Via helpline:
- Call your current operator’s helpline immediately
- Jazz: 111 | Zong: 310 | Telenor: 345 | Ufone: 333
- Provide your Port Request ID and request cancellation
Via PTA:
- Call 0800-55055 if the operator cannot cancel in time
Time window: Once a port is approved and activated, it cannot be easily reversed. Act within the approval window (before the scheduled activation time) for the best chance of cancellation.
Checking Port Status After Initiating MNP
Once you have initiated a port via 667, you can check the status:
Via SMS:
- Send “STATUS [Port Request ID]” to 667
- Receive a status update: Pending / Approved / Rejected / Completed
Via the new operator’s franchise:
- Visit the recipient network’s franchise
- Provide your Port Request ID and CNIC
- They can show you the live status in their system
Via helpline:
- Call the recipient operator’s helpline with your Port Request ID
- Jazz: 111 | Zong: 310 | Telenor: 345 | Ufone: 333
Common MNP 667 Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Port Request Rejected by Donor Operator
Common valid rejection reasons:
- Outstanding bill with current operator
- SIM is under a contract (postpaid plan minimum term)
- Active SIM fraud complaint on the number
- BVS verification incomplete on current SIM
Solution: Resolve the specific objection — pay any outstanding bill, complete biometric verification, or wait for any active complaint to be resolved. Then re-initiate the port.
Problem 2: Port Request Pending for Over 24 Hours
Cause: Donor operator has raised an objection within the allowed window, or PTA system processing delay.
Solution: Call your current operator to check if they have raised an objection. If no valid objection exists, contact PTA at 0800-55055 to escalate the delay.
Problem 3: Old SIM Deactivated But New SIM Not Working
Cause: Timing gap between deactivation and activation, or technical issue at the recipient operator.
Solution: Visit the recipient network’s franchise immediately with your CNIC and Port Request ID. They can manually activate the port completion.
Problem 4: Number Not Porting Because of Wrong CNIC Entered
Cause: CNIC entered with dashes or spaces, or incorrect CNIC number.
Solution: Retry with exactly 13 digits, no formatting. Double-check your CNIC number before sending.
Problem 5: Receiving Multiple Port Request Notifications You Didn’t Initiate
Cause: Someone is attempting to port your number without authorization.
Solution: This is a fraud emergency. Call your current operator immediately to block the port. Call PTA at 0800-55055. File an FIR at your local police station.
MNP 667 and Your 668 CNIC Check — How They Work Together
After completing a number port, your regular 668 CNIC verification routine should reflect the change:
Before porting: 668 reply shows: 0312-XXXXXXX (Zong)
After porting to Telenor: 668 reply shows: 0312-XXXXXXX (Telenor)
The number is the same, only the network label changes. Your CNIC count remains the same.
Why this matters: If you have not used 668 since porting, your new operator’s label in the 668 results confirms the port was correctly recorded in PTA’s national database. If the old operator still appears, there may be a database update delay — wait 60 minutes and check again.
For a full breakdown of how Pakistan’s SIM database tracks ported numbers and all registration changes, visit simsownersdetails.pk/sim-info/.
How to Use MNP 667 Wisely — Tips for 2026
Tip 1: Check 668 before porting Before initiating a port, verify your CNIC’s SIM status via 668. Ensure the number you are porting is correctly registered under your CNIC. If there is a BVS mismatch, resolve it before the port.
Tip 2: Never ignore port notification SMS When PTA sends you a port notification, read it carefully and act if you did not initiate the request. Silence is interpreted as consent in PTA’s system.
Tip 3: Keep your current SIM active during porting Do not switch off your phone or SIM during an active port request. The cancellation process and notification delivery depend on your current SIM being active.
Tip 4: Only use official channels for MNP Some franchise agents offer to “process your port faster” for a fee. This is unnecessary — MNP through official 667 and franchise channels is free and follows a legally defined timeline. Extra fees are either a scam or for premium convenience, not regulatory compliance.
Tip 5: Wait for 668 confirmation after porting After a port is complete, check 668 within 60–90 minutes to confirm your number now shows the new network in PTA’s database. This confirms the registration transfer was correctly recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions — MNP 667 Pakistan
Q: Is MNP 667 completely free in Pakistan?
A: Yes. The 667 SMS service is free from all Pakistani networks. PTA mandates that MNP services are provided without charge to subscribers.
Q: How long does the complete porting process take in Pakistan?
A: Once a port request is submitted, PTA mandates completion within 1–2 working days. In practice, most ports complete within 2–24 hours of approval if there are no valid objections from the donor operator.
Q: Will I lose my contacts or phone data when I port my number?
A: No. Porting only changes the network operator for your number — it does not affect your phone’s data, contacts, apps, or any other content. Your phone number remains identical.
Q: Can I port my Jazz or Telenor postpaid number?
A: Yes, but postpaid numbers may have contract terms that must be satisfied first. Check with your current operator for any outstanding contract obligations before initiating the port.
Q: Will my WhatsApp transfer automatically after porting?
A: WhatsApp is linked to your phone number, not your SIM. As long as your number remains the same (which it does during MNP), your WhatsApp account, chats, and contacts transfer automatically. You may need to re-verify via OTP after the port activates.
Q: Can porting a number help me escape harassment calls?
A: No — your number stays the same after porting. If you want to change your number to escape harassment, you need a new SIM registration, not a port. If you want to escape harassment while keeping your number, report it to PTA and file a police complaint.
Q: What happens to my JazzCash or Easypaisa account if I port my number?
A: Mobile wallet accounts are linked to your phone number AND the specific operator’s SIM. Porting from Jazz to another network means your JazzCash account (Jazz-specific) cannot be accessed on the new SIM — you would need to contact Jazz to resolve. Similarly, porting away from Telenor affects Easypaisa. Check with your mobile wallet provider before porting.
Q: How many times can I port my number in Pakistan?
A: PTA allows you to port your number multiple times, but there is a minimum waiting period between ports — currently 90 days from the last port completion before you can port again.
Summary — MNP 667 Pakistan Complete Reference
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service name | Mobile Number Portability (MNP) |
| Short code | 667 |
| Primary function | Port number to new network |
| Ownership verification | Yes — CNIC + biometric |
| Port completion time | 2–24 hours (after approval) |
| Donor objection window | 8 working hours |
| Cancellation method | Reply to notification SMS |
| Cost | Completely free |
| Works from any network | Yes |
| Difference from 668 | 667 = porting |
MNP 667 is a powerful tool for Pakistan’s mobile consumers — it gives you the freedom to switch networks without losing your number, while PTA’s ownership verification protects you from unauthorized porting fraud. Use it with confidence, and always verify your 668 status before and after any port to confirm your CNIC records are accurate.
For Pakistan’s most complete SIM verification resource library — covering 667, 668, CNIC protection, and all network tools — visit Sim Owner Details.
Related Guides:
SIM OWNER DETAILS