Islamabad – May 31, 2025: The Ministry of Interior has directed all relevant departments to halt the separate storage of citizens’ biometric data and begin transitioning to a unified facial recognition system, with full nationwide deployment expected by December 31, 2025.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) headquarters in Islamabad. The session, also attended by NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar, addressed urgent security and data management challenges.
During the meeting, the NADRA chairman raised concerns over various government departments and service providers maintaining fragmented local databases of biometric data, potentially exposing sensitive information to misuse and cyber threats. To mitigate these risks, he stressed the importance of leveraging NADRA’s centralized and secure database, particularly its advanced facial recognition system, to assist individuals experiencing fingerprint verification issues.
SIMs on Expired CNICs to Be Blocked
In a significant policy move, Minister Naqvi ordered the immediate blocking of all mobile SIMs registered against expired CNICs, starting with those issued in 2017 or earlier. The initiative will extend to all inactive identity cards to ensure that only valid CNICs are used for mobile connections.
To strengthen this effort, NADRA is working in close coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block SIMs linked to deceased individuals or holders of invalid ID cards.
Expansion of NADRA Services and Infrastructure
The Interior Minister also laid the foundation stone of a 10-storey NADRA Mega Center in Islamabad’s I-8 sector, which is slated for completion by June 2026. Additionally, NADRA services will be expanded to 44 underserved tehsils and union councils across the country, including all 31 union councils in Islamabad by June 30, 2025.
New regional NADRA offices will also be established in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar, further enhancing access to digital identity and registration services.
Reforms and Digital Transformation
NADRA officials briefed the attendees on recent reforms, including amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules 2002. These updates aim to enhance legal clarity and prevent fraud through updated registration certificates for children and families.
The authority has also introduced cutting-edge biometric systems integrating facial recognition and iris scanning. In collaboration with agencies such as PTA, FIA, SBP, and SECP, NADRA continues to bolster efforts against identity fraud and biometric mismatches.
The PAK ID mobile app, which has surpassed 7 million downloads, now supports digital ID issuance, pensioners’ “proof of life” verification, and federal arms license renewals—bringing essential services directly to users’ fingertips.
This comprehensive reform package signals a major shift toward centralized, secure, and digitally integrated identity management in Pakistan.
