May 2007 I purchased a Mobilink pre-paid SIM from its Sales Office situated at University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi. For getting it I had to fill up an application forum which was perhaps in triplicate or quadruplicate. After payment I was handed over a SIM packet only. I demanded a copy of Application Form which I signed as my agreeing to the terms & conditions covering the service. I was told all these copies were for the company. I insisted that legally and technically in that position I can not tomorrow claim that SIM was my own and that I had not stolen it unless I have a proof of payment or a copy of agreement. And this is not the story and delusion only. Last year in September I purchased a WARID SIM which unfortunately while changing dropped and got lost. When I reported this loss I got a shock when WARID told me the SIM was not registered in my name. I am still struggling without any result.
An educated lady subscribing immediately after me listening my argument too demanded but she also got the same response. Later when I demand it in writing the Mobilink informed me that this was given to me at the time of purchase and I should send them copy of my NIC and other documents. Why should I give them unnecessary an additional copy of NIC which is a risk. If SIM is registered in my name, the company can see my name and on official address in their record send me a copy or an attested copy.
As far Mobilinks claim that a copy of agreement is invariably given to new subscriber, I spoke with my brothers, nephews, friends etc many of whom have Mobilink SIM. They saw my face as if I was a fool talking non sense. None of them have any realization about importance of having a document to show what for they paid money and the ownership. I addressed the so triumphed The Network consumer rights organization Islamabad of which I am a member on payment. It never cared to even give me a response. I approached Pakistan Telecommunication Authority the so called protector of subscribers right who as usual issued me an automated receipt never ever to follow. I have never been able to decide as to which one should I give number one to which one number two in the list of Top Lethargic public rights protection monitoring agencies from amongst Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and State Bank of Pakistan. I addressed on the issue of un-registered sale of SIMs to Mr. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Choudhary who appears to has taken some sort of initial note in July this year but unfortunately he has gone now.
An educated lady subscribing immediately after me listening my argument too demanded but she also got the same response. Later when I demand it in writing the Mobilink informed me that this was given to me at the time of purchase and I should send them copy of my NIC and other documents. Why should I give them unnecessary an additional copy of NIC which is a risk. If SIM is registered in my name, the company can see my name and on official address in their record send me a copy or an attested copy.
As far Mobilinks claim that a copy of agreement is invariably given to new subscriber, I spoke with my brothers, nephews, friends etc many of whom have Mobilink SIM. They saw my face as if I was a fool talking non sense. None of them have any realization about importance of having a document to show what for they paid money and the ownership. I addressed the so triumphed The Network consumer rights organization Islamabad of which I am a member on payment. It never cared to even give me a response. I approached Pakistan Telecommunication Authority the so called protector of subscribers right who as usual issued me an automated receipt never ever to follow. I have never been able to decide as to which one should I give number one to which one number two in the list of Top Lethargic public rights protection monitoring agencies from amongst Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and State Bank of Pakistan. I addressed on the issue of un-registered sale of SIMs to Mr. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Choudhary who appears to has taken some sort of initial note in July this year but unfortunately he has gone now.