The decision to immediately block mobile SIMs issued on expired ID cards was made in a meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as reported by national media.
According to details, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the headquarters of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), where he chaired an important meeting and major decisions were taken.
It was decided in the meeting to immediately block all mobile SIMs issued on expired ID cards. In the first phase, SIMs issued on ID cards from 2017 or earlier will be blocked. In the next phases, the same policy will be applied to SIMs issued on ID cards canceled after 2017, so that only active ID cards can have SIMs issued.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi laid the foundation stone of a 10-story NADRA Mega Center in Sector I-8. The I-8 NADRA Mega Center is expected to be completed by June 2026.
NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar stated that, with the cooperation of PTA, mobile SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals or those with expired ID cards are being blocked.
The NADRA Chairman said that various government departments and service providers are storing citizens’ biometric data in their local databases, which puts this sensitive information at risk of misuse and theft.
He further stated that by utilizing NADRA’s secure and verified database, facial recognition systems will be used, especially to assist citizens who face difficulties in fingerprint verification.
Mohsin Naqvi said that the Ministry of Interior will issue instructions to all relevant institutions to stop separate storage of citizens’ biometric information.
The Interior Minister directed that the implementation of facial recognition technology across the country must be ensured by December 31, 2025. This process will be monitored by the Ministry of Interior.
He further stated that NADRA services have been extended to 44 tehsils and specific union councils across the country where these facilities were previously unavailable. NADRA services will be available in all 31 union councils of Islamabad by June 30, 2025.
