Government to Block SIMs Linked to Expired CNICs

The government has resolved to promptly deactivate all SIM cards registered against expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). This initiative will begin with the deactivation of connections associated with CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier.

The SIM blocking directive will subsequently extend to encompass cancelled CNICs issued post-2017 in subsequent stages.

This decision arose during a senior-level meeting presided over by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) headquarters in Islamabad.

The meeting included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and high-ranking Nadra officials. Participants agreed that only SIMs registered with valid identity cards will remain active.

Nadra’s chairman updated the attendees on the organization’s advancements in broadening accessibility, enhancing service provision, and promoting digital evolution.

It was conveyed during the assembly that 87 novel registration centers and 417 supplementary counters have been inaugurated across the nation, alongside the federal government’s endorsement of pivotal amendments to the National Identity Card Rules 2002.

The Nadra chairman stated that the facial recognition system will assist citizens encountering difficulties with fingerprint authentication.

He added that SIMs registered to deceased individuals or expired identity cards will also face immediate suspension.

The Nadra head emphasized that citizens’ biometric information is being protected within local databases. He cautioned that this data remains susceptible to misuse and unauthorized access, advocating for the utilization of Nadra’s secure and verified databases for facial recognition technologies.

Addressing the assembly, Minister Naqvi, in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that Nadra services had been extended to 44 tehsils and union councils lacking prior access. He projected that all 31 union councils within Islamabad would gain Nadra services by June 30.

He directed a thorough evaluation to pinpoint countries and regions with the most pressing need for Nadra services. Furthermore, he sanctioned the creation of new regional Nadra offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.

In addition, the minister mandated the cessation of independent biometric data storage by associated agencies and decreed the nationwide implementation of facial recognition technology by December 31, 2025. The Ministry of Interior will supervise this undertaking, he stated.

During the event, Naqvi marked the commencement of construction for a 10-story Nadra Mega Centre in Sector I-8, Islamabad. The completion of this new establishment is anticipated by June 2026.