Mobile numbers in Pakistan changed from 7 to 8 digits

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday announced successful migration of cellular mobile subscriber numbers from 7 to 8 digits as of 1st April 2008. The dialing codes of all mobile companies have also been changed from 4 digits to 3 digits.
According to details, as part of new mobile numbering plan, all mobile numbers in the country would now comprise of 8 digits by moving the last digit of the dialing code into subscriber number such that the dialing code would be reduced to 3 digits (i.e 0333-51xxxxx would now be 033-351xxxxx).

It is important to note that numbers of Mobilink, Warid, Ufone and Telenor will remain the same 11 digits as before. For Paktel (China Mobile), Instaphone and SCOM (AJK& Northern Areas), in addition to aforementioned shifting of subscriber numbers, digits of their dialing code would also change.

All these changes have become effective from April 1, 2008. Until June 30, 2008 all old and new numbers could be dialed. From 1 July 2008 onwards only new numbers will be valid, PTA spokesman said.

The spokesman said that the PTA with the help of all cellular, fixed line and WLL operators has ensured that this change remains hassle-free for consumers. However, in case callers face any difficulty they may contact their concerned operator and may contact the PTA complaint cell number 0800-55055, if the interruption in their service continues.

Courtesy: Daily times, 2/4/2008