SIMs registered with expired ID Cards to be blocked: Government Cracks Down on SIM Cards Linked to Expired or Invalid IDs
The federal government has announced an immediate crackdown on mobile SIM cards registered with expired or invalid national identity cards. The decision was made during a high-level meeting led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at NADRA headquarters.
Key Measures
- Phase 1: SIM cards issued on ID cards from 2017 or earlier will be blocked first.
- Phase 2: The policy will extend to deactivated ID cards issued after 2017, ensuring only valid IDs are linked to mobile connections.
- Deceased Individuals’ SIMs: The Interior Ministry and PTA will also block SIMs registered under dead persons’ names or expired IDs.
Data Security & Biometric Concerns
The meeting highlighted concerns over unsafe storage of citizens’ biometric data by various institutions, risking leaks or misuse. To address this:
- Facial Recognition System: NADRA proposed using its secure central database for facial recognition, especially for citizens facing fingerprint verification issues.
- Ban on Independent Biometric Storage: Minister Naqvi ordered all departments to stop storing biometric data locally and mandated a nationwide facial recognition system by December 31, 2025.
NADRA Expansion & Overseas Services
- New Offices: NADRA will open offices in all 31 union councils of Islamabad by June 30, 2025.
- More Tehsil Coverage: Services have been expanded to 44 additional tehsils and union councils where they were previously unavailable.
- Overseas Support: A review with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will identify where NADRA services are most needed abroad.
- New Regional Centers: Approval granted for new NADRA centers in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
This move aims to strengthen security, prevent fraud, and improve access to identity verification services nationwide.