NADRA to block sims linked to expired CNICs

ISLAMABAD: The Chairman National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir, on Friday, said that NADRA will block all SIMs issued on expired or on deceased persons Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

In the first phase, SIMs issued on CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier will be blocked with the cooperation of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Chairman NADRA added.

On Friday, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited NADRA headquarters and laid the foundation stone of the 10-storey NADRA Mega Center in Sector I-8.

Chairman NADRA Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar briefed the Minister on the issues that how various government departments and service providers are storing biometric information of citizens in their databases, which can risk this sensitive information from misuse and theft.

On which the Interior Minister said that instructions will be issued to all relevant institutions to close the separate storage of biometric information of citizens.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the implementation of facial recognition technology across the country should be ensured by December 31, 2025. This process will be monitored by the Interior Ministry.

Chairman NADRA briefed Naqvi on the provision of better facilities to the public over the years, noting that the critical amendments have been approved by the federal government in the National Identity Card Rules 2002.

He informed the meeting about the introduction of a strong identity verification system that includes iris scanning and face recognition as additional biometrics. In order to combat identity fraud, SIM abuse, and biometric inconsistencies, cooperation is being maintained with the PTA, FIA, State Bank of Pakistan, SECP, and other relevant authorities.

Interior Minister Naqvi lauded the NADRA’s performance over the past year, adding that the launch of 87 new registration centres and the addition of 417 service counters are commendable efforts being made by the authority. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior NADRA officials were also present at the occasion.