Mobile users in Pakistan sometimes notice unexpected deductions from their prepaid balance without making calls or sending messages. These balance deductions may occur because of Value Added Services (VAS) subscriptions that charge users for additional mobile services.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has shared awareness guidelines to help subscribers check their active VAS subscriptions and deactivate services they no longer need. The regulator has also provided USSD codes for customers of Jazz, Zong, Ufone, and Telenor.

What Are VAS Services? How to Stop Unwanted Mobile Balance Deductions

Value Added Services, commonly known as VAS, are additional services offered by mobile operators beyond standard calls, SMS, and internet packages. These services may include news alerts, entertainment content, caller tunes, games, and other subscription-based offerings.

Some VAS services charge users daily, weekly, or monthly. As a result, customers may continue to lose mobile balance while a subscription remains active.

Users may activate these services intentionally or subscribe to them accidentally while browsing websites, clicking promotional links, or responding to service messages. Checking active subscriptions regularly can help prevent unnecessary charges.

PTA has shared the following USSD codes to help mobile subscribers manage their VAS subscriptions.

To get started, dial the relevant code from the SIM on which you are experiencing balance deductions. Follow the instructions displayed on your phone to check or deactivate unwanted services.

The available options may vary by operator and service. If a code does not work or does not show the subscription you want to cancel, contact your mobile operator’s helpline and ask for details of your active VAS services.

How to Complain About Unwanted Balance Deductions

If your mobile balance continues to decrease after you deactivate unwanted services, you can contact your network operator and register a complaint.

Ask the operator to identify the service responsible for the deductions and confirm whether the subscription has been cancelled. Keep the complaint reference number for future follow-ups.

If the operator fails to resolve the issue within the specified period, you can escalate the complaint through the PTA’s Complaint Management System (CMS).

Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Mobile Charges

Mobile users should regularly check their active subscriptions and cancel services they no longer use. They should also read promotional messages carefully and avoid clicking unfamiliar links that may lead to paid subscriptions.

Before activating any additional service, check its charges and renewal terms. If you notice unexpected deductions, contact your operator promptly to identify the reason.

By checking VAS subscriptions and using the available complaint channels, mobile users can better manage their balance and avoid paying for services they do not need.