The Ministry of Interior ordered all relevant agencies to cease the separation of citizens’ biometric data and begin utilizing one facial recognition program, with full implementation expected to be complete by December 31, 2025.
The order was given at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices in Islamabad during a high-level meeting that was presided over by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Muhammad Munir Afsar reviewed important issues regarding data management and security. The chairman expressed concern that multiple service providers and governments were storing local databases of citizens’ biometric data, exposing the data to the risk of misuse and theft.
He highlighted that for those challenged by fingerprint verification, it was necessary to utilize NADRA’s verified and secure central database using facial recognition.
It was vital to stop dealing with these faulty verification issues. In an important legislative step, the Interior Minister ordered the immediate blocking of all mobile SIMs issued on expired identity cards.
He stated that the process would commence for all SIMs registered against a CNIC issued in 2017 or earlier the process would follow all blocked CNICs to ensure only effective identity cards were used to obtain mobile connections.
NADRA is collaborating with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to cancel SIMs registered in the name of deceased persons or holders of discontinued or expired ID cards.
Naqvi was also the Chief Guest at the foundation stone of the 10-storey NADRA Mega Center at I-8 Islamabad, which is expected to be constructed by June 2026.
He approved the further expansion of NADRA services to 44 currently unserved tehsils and union councils in Pakistan, with deadlines of June 30, 202,5, for completion of all 31 union councils in Islamabad, and approved the establishment of NADRA regional offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
NADRA officials provided a detailed briefing on their reforms, digital transformation, and public service delivery updates. It was noted that updates were made to the National Identity Card (NIC ) Rules 2002 and that new registration certificates would be issued for children and families to add legal clarity and combat fraud.
NADRA has introduced and implemented advanced biometric systems with facial recognition and iris scans. Efforts are ongoing with the PTA, FIA, SBP, SECP, and all relevant agencies to prevent identification fraud and biographic or biometric mismatches.
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