How to Buy a New Zong SIM in Pakistan

A new Zong prepaid SIM costs Rs 300, according to Zong's SIM price page. Take your original, valid CNIC to a Zong service centre, franchise or registered retailer, give your thumb impression for NADRA verification, and the SIM is activated. Zong's terms say activation follows within 24 hours of a successful check. You can also pick your own number on Zong's Book Your Number portal and collect the SIM within 3 days.

We read Zong's SIM price page, its PTA terms, its Book Your Number portal and its new SIM offer pages on 22 September 2026.

What a new Zong SIM costs

A shop may sell a SIM with balance or a bundle included. That is a package, not the price of the SIM. Zong's Book Your Number terms say the buyer pays the price "including taxes".

What you need to bring

• Your original, valid CNIC. Zong's terms name a valid CNIC for Pakistani buyers.
• Yourself. The thumb impression must be yours. Nobody can buy a SIM in your name without you.
• For foreigners: an original valid passport and visa, or a Pakistan Origin Card. Afghan nationals need an original valid visa or passport verified by a notary public, according to Zong's SIM issuance page.

There is a limit on how many SIMs one CNIC can hold. Figures for it are reported differently, and the SIM card rules in Pakistan changed recently, so check how many SIMs are on your CNIC before you buy.

How to buy a Zong SIM at a shop

1. Go to a Zong service centre, franchise or registered retailer. Zong's terms list all three as sellers.
2. Give your CNIC. The seller checks you are eligible, including how many SIMs are already on your CNIC.
3. Choose a number from the ones offered.
4. Put your thumb on the scanner. Your print and CNIC number go to NADRA for checking.
5. Pay. Rs 300 for a prepaid SIM.
6. Wait for activation. Zong's terms say the SIM is verified within 24 hours of a successful NADRA check.

If NADRA does not match your thumb, Zong's terms say the seller must tell you why, and that you may need to contact NADRA yourself.

How to choose your own number online

Zong's Book Your Number (BYN) portal is at byn.zong.com.pk. We opened it on 22 September 2026.

1. Pick a prefix. The portal offered 0310 to 0319, 0370 and 0371.
2. Type the 7 digits you want, or choose from the list of special numbers shown.
3. Enter your name, contact number, email and 13 digit CNIC.
4. Choose a pickup point: a Zong service centre or a franchise, in your city.
5. Collect the SIM within 3 days, with your original CNIC.

Zong's terms for BYN say booking is free, that a booking not collected within 3 days is cancelled, that numbers depend on stock, and that people on other networks can book too. BYN numbers may carry built-in balance, which Zong says cannot be shared.

Zong's website also links to a "Home Delivery Service" at onlinebooking.zong.com.pk. That site did not load for us on 22 September 2026, so we cannot describe it. Some websites give a delivery code, 9664#, which we did not find on any Zong page.

What to do after you get the SIM

1. Claim the new SIM offer. Zong's page says to dial *10# once after activation for 4,000 MB, including 1GB WhatsApp and 1GB Facebook, and 1,000 Zong minutes for 7 days. Zong adds that free offer data does not work from 7 PM to 11:59 PM.
2. Look at new SIM discounts. Zong says dialling *9330# on a new SIM gives cheaper bundles, such as Monthly Supreme Plus at Rs 1,000 instead of Rs 1,600.
3. Note your number. Dial *8#, which Zong's help pages list to find your Zong number.
4. Keep the SIM card holder. It has your PUK code. You need it if the SIM ever locks.

Zong says a new SIM cannot use its advance loan for the first 30 days.

Switching to Zong and keeping your number

If you already have a number on another network, you can move it to Zong for free. This is called MNP, mobile number portability. Zong's contact page lists an MNP helpline, 0314-3334455, charged at normal rates. You still need your CNIC and a thumb check.

Stay safe when buying a SIM

Buy only from a Zong centre, franchise or registered retailer. Never let a seller take your thumb print twice "because the first one failed" without showing you the error. A second print can register a second SIM in your name. Check the SIMs on your CNIC a few days after buying. If you find one you did not buy, report the unknown SIM on your CNIC.

Zong's terms also say the SIM and number stay Zong's property, and a number unused for 180 days can be disconnected and given to someone else. Use the SIM at least now and then.

Common questions

How much is a new Zong SIM?

Rs 300 for prepaid, according to Zong's SIM price page on 22 September 2026.

Can I buy a Zong SIM without a CNIC?

No. Pakistanis need an original valid CNIC and a thumb check. Foreigners use a passport and valid visa or a Pakistan Origin Card.

Can I choose my own Zong number?

Yes, on byn.zong.com.pk. Booking is free, and you collect the SIM within 3 days.

How long does a new Zong SIM take to activate?

Zong's terms say within 24 hours after NADRA confirms your thumb impression.

What free offer does a new Zong SIM get?

Zong's New SIM Offer gives 4,000 MB and 1,000 Zong minutes for 7 days when you dial *10# once after activation.

Is an eSIM available on Zong?

Yes, for Rs 1,500 at a Zong service centre or franchise, on a phone that supports eSIM.

Last checked and sources

Last checked 22 September 2026. SIM prices are from zong.com.pk/sim-price. The sellers, CNIC requirement, eligibility check, NADRA thumb check, 24 hour activation, NADRA failure rule, property clause and 180 day inactivity rule are from zong.com.pk/pta-terms-conditions. Foreigners' documents are from zong.com.pk/about-zong/sim-issuance-process. The BYN prefixes, form fields, pickup choices and terms are from byn.zong.com.pk/byn, opened that day. The *10# offer is from zong.com.pk/prepaid/new-sim-offer, the 7 PM rule from zong.com.pk/exclusion-of-busy-hour, the *9330# discounts from zong.com.pk/new-sim-new-discounts, the 30 day advance rule from zong.com.pk/vas/zong-advance-loan and the MNP helpline from zong.com.pk/contact-us. onlinebooking.zong.com.pk failed to connect for us. The SIM limit per CNIC is not stated on Zong's pages. We did not buy a SIM ourselves.