ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to immediately block all SIM cards linked to expired CNICs. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced this at a meeting held at the Nadra headquarters.
Nationwide Facial Recognition by December
In the first phase, authorities will deactivate SIMs issued using CNICs from 2017 or earlier. Later phases will target SIMs connected to more recent but expired CNICs, ensuring telecom services remain tied only to active identity cards.
Minister Naqvi ordered all departments to stop maintaining separate biometric databases. He emphasized the need to protect sensitive data and enhance centralized security. The Ministry of Interior will oversee the nationwide rollout of facial recognition technology by December 31.
He also called for better services for overseas Pakistanis. Collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nadra will identify regions abroad where its services are most in demand. Additionally, the government approved new Nadra regional offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
During the meeting, Nadra Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar briefed attendees on the authority’s expansion, digital transformation, and service delivery.
Minister Naqvi commended Nadra’s progress, noting the establishment of 87 new registration centers and 417 additional service counters over the past year.
Lt Gen Afsar warned that some departments and service providers still store citizens’ biometric data locally, increasing the risk of misuse. He urged stakeholders to rely on Nadra’s verified facial recognition system, which especially benefits citizens facing fingerprint verification challenges.
Nadra also introduced updated registration certificates for families and children to improve legal clarity and prevent fraud. The authority enhanced its identity verification system by adding iris scans and facial recognition alongside fingerprint data.
To fight identity fraud and biometric discrepancies, Nadra continues to work closely with key institutions, including the PTA, FIA, State Bank of Pakistan, and SECP.
The PAK ID mobile app now includes digital ID issuance, proof of life for pensioners, and renewal of arms licences. The app has been downloaded over 7 million times.
Minister Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for a new 10-storey Nadra Mega Center in Islamabad’s I-8 Sector. The center is expected to be completed by June 2026.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry and senior Nadra officials also attended the meeting.
