The Ministry of Interior has directed all concerned departments to cease the separate storage of citizens’ biometric data and to start implementing a unified facial recognition system, with full deployment expected by December 31, 2025. The instruction 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 meeting, also attended by NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar, reviewed critical security and data management challenges. The chairman raised concerns that several government departments and service providers are maintaining local databases of citizens’ biometric information, exposing sensitive data to misuse and theft. To counter this, he emphasized the need to rely on NADRA’s verified and secure central database using facial recognition, particularly to assist individuals facing difficulties with fingerprint verification.
In a major policy decision, the Interior Minister ordered the immediate blocking of all mobile SIMs issued on expired identity cards. The process will begin with SIMs registered against CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier, and will later extend to all deactivated CNICs, ensuring that only active identity cards can be used to obtain mobile connections. NADRA is working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block SIMs registered under names of deceased individuals or holders of expired ID cards.
Minister Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for a 10-storey NADRA Mega Center in Islamabad’s I-8 sector, expected to be completed by June 2026. He approved the expansion of NADRA services to 44 previously underserved tehsils and union councils nationwide, including all 31 union councils in Islamabad by June 30, 2025. Additionally, he announced the establishment of regional NADRA offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
In a detailed briefing, NADRA officials shared updates on reforms, digital transformation, and public service delivery. Recent amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules 2002 were highlighted, along with the introduction of updated registration certificates for children and families to enhance legal clarity and fraud prevention.
NADRA has introduced advanced biometric systems using facial recognition and iris scanning. Coordination with PTA, FIA, SBP, SECP, and other agencies continues to prevent ID fraud and biometric mismatches. The mobile app PAK ID, which has been downloaded over 7 million times, now also supports digital ID issuance, pensioner “proof of life,” and federal arms license renewals.
