If you have looked online for a way to check SIMs on your CNIC, you have probably seen two numbers: 667 and 668. Some guides say 667, others say 668, and many people are not sure which one to use. In this article we explain the difference between 667 and 668 in simple words, which one is the official PTA service today, and what to do if neither gives you an answer.
The short answer: difference between 667 and 668
668 is the official PTA short code for the SIM Information System. You send your CNIC number to 668 and get a reply showing how many SIMs are registered on your CNIC with each operator. It works on all major networks.
667 serves a different purpose. It is commonly used for an MNP (Mobile Number Portability) check on the SIM in your phone. Send MNP to 667 from that SIM to request its registration and network information. The reply and any charge can vary by operator.
So, use 668 when your goal is to count SIMs on your CNIC. Use 667 only when checking the SIM currently in your phone; it is not a replacement for 668.
A little history
Pakistan's biometric re-verification drive linked active SIMs to verified identity records. The short codes are easy to confuse because both relate to SIM registration, but they answer different questions: 668 starts with a CNIC, while 667 starts with the SIM being used to send the message.
How to use 668 step by step
- Open the messages app on any SIM (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone or SCOM).
- Type your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes, for example 3520212345671.
- Send it to 668.
- Wait for the reply. It lists the number of SIMs per operator.
If you get no reply, check our troubleshooting guide: 668 not working? Fixes for the PTA SIM check SMS.
Comparing 667 and 668 side by side
| Feature | 668 | 667 |
|---|---|---|
| What you send | Your 13-digit CNIC without dashes | MNP, sent from the SIM you are checking |
| What it answers | How many SIMs are registered per operator | Registration and network information for that SIM |
| What it does not show | The actual mobile numbers | A list of every SIM on your CNIC |
| Best use | Audit your CNIC for unknown SIMs | Confirm the SIM currently in your phone |
What 668 does not show
It is important to understand the limits. The 668 reply shows counts, not phone numbers. For example, it may say "Jazz: 2, Zong: 1". It does not show the actual numbers, and it never shows anyone else's details. If you want to see the exact numbers on your CNIC, visit your operator's franchise with your original CNIC or call your operator helpline.
Other official ways to verify your SIM records
- cnic.sims.pk — the PTA website. Enter your CNIC and captcha to see the same count. Read our complete cnic.sims.pk guide.
- Operator apps — Jazz World, My Zong, My Telenor and My Ufone show details of your own number.
- Franchise visit — staff can list all numbers on your CNIC after a fingerprint check.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to check SIMs on your CNIC.
Why the difference between 667 and 668 matters for your safety
Scammers take advantage of confusion. Never send your CNIC to an unknown person or website, and never share an OTP, PIN or bank details for a SIM check. For the CNIC count, send only the 13 CNIC digits to 668. For a 667 check, send only MNP from the SIM you are checking.
What to do if you see extra SIMs
If the 668 reply shows more SIMs than you use, someone may be using a SIM in your name. Block it quickly at your operator's franchise. Our guide on blocking an unknown SIM on your CNIC explains the process.
Summary
The difference between 667 and 668 is simple: 668 checks how many SIMs are registered on a CNIC, while 667 checks the SIM used to send the MNP message. Use the code that matches your question, keep your CNIC private, and contact your operator if the result looks wrong. You can find more quick answers on our FAQs page.
Put simply: 667 shows the SIM owner name and network for the SIM you use, while 668 counts all SIMs on CNIC records registered to you.
