In a bold step to protect citizens' privacy and improve security, the Ministry of Interior has officially directed all relevant departments to stop storing biometric data separately. Instead, a unified facial recognition system will be deployed nationwide, with full implementation expected by December 31, 2025.
This significant decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the NADRA headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting was also attended by NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar and focused on critical issues related to data security and management.
The NADRA Chairman expressed serious concern over the fact that various government agencies and private service providers are maintaining local biometric databases, potentially putting citizens' sensitive data at risk of theft or misuse. He strongly emphasized the importance of using NADRA’s verified and secure central database to resolve these issues and to help individuals who struggle with fingerprint verification by leveraging facial recognition technology.
In a decisive policy shift, Minister Naqvi ordered the immediate blocking of mobile SIMs that are linked to expired CNICs. The initiative will start with SIMs issued on CNICs from 2017 or earlier and will later be expanded to cover all deactivated CNICs, ensuring that only holders of valid, active identity cards can register new mobile connections.
NADRA is now collaborating closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block all SIMs issued in the names of deceased individuals or expired ID card holders — a long-overdue measure that will bring relief to countless citizens affected by identity misuse.
In a momentous development for public service delivery, Minister Naqvi also laid the foundat