Government Orders Immediate Blocking of SIMs Registered with Expired CNICs

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — In a decisive move to enhance national security and digital integrity, the government has ordered the immediate blocking of all SIM cards registered with expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). The initial phase will target SIMs associated with CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier, with subsequent phases focusing on cancelled CNICs issued after 2017.

This directive emerged from a high-level meeting chaired 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 senior NADRA officials.

Under the new policy, only SIM cards linked to active and valid identity cards will remain functional. SIMs registered under expired or deceased individuals’ CNICs will be deactivated immediately to prevent misuse and enhance security.

NADRA’s chairman briefed participants on the agency’s recent strides, including the opening of 87 new registration centres and 417 additional service counters nationwide. Recent amendments to the National Identity Card Rules, 2002, have been approved by the federal government to support these initiatives.

To address verification challenges, NADRA is introducing a facial recognition system aimed at assisting citizens facing difficulties with fingerprint verification. The chairman emphasized the importance of securing biometric data within local databases to mitigate risks of data theft and misuse. He also urged government agencies to adopt NADRA’s secure and verified databases for implementing facial recognition technology.

Minister Naqvi highlighted that NADRA’s services have been expanded to cover 44 tehsils and union councils where access was previously limited. Efforts are underway to extend these services to all 31 union councils of Islamabad by June 30, 2025.

In addition, Naqvi instructed a comprehensive review to identify regions and countries where NADRA’s services are most needed abroad. To strengthen service delivery, new regional NADRA offices will be established in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.

A key directive from the minister includes halting the separate storage of biometric data by related agencies, mandating the nationwide implementation of facial recognition technology by December 31, 2025. The Ministry of Interior will oversee the rollout.

During the meeting, Minister Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art 10-storey NADRA Mega Centre in Sector I-8, Islamabad. This facility is slated for completion by June 2026 and is expected to significantly enhance citizen service capabilities.

This comprehensive strategy reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing identity management, safeguarding biometric data, and ensuring the integrity of mobile connections across the country.

Source: Web Desk