Expired CNICs to Trigger Immediate SIM Blocking Nationwide, Says Interior Ministry

Islamabad: In a major crackdown on identity misuse, the Ministry of Interior has announced that all mobile SIMs issued on expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) will be blocked with immediate effect.
The decision was made during an important meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the NADRA Headquarters. The minister also laid the foundation stone for a new 10-storey NADRA Mega Center in Islamabad’s Sector I-8, expected to be completed by June 2026.
In the first phase of the initiative, all SIMs issued on CNICs expired in 2017 or earlier will be deactivated. In subsequent phases, the same policy will apply to SIMs issued on CNICs that expired after 2017. The goal is to ensure that only active and valid CNIC holders have access to mobile services.
NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar stated that, in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), efforts are underway to block SIMs registered under the names of deceased individuals or holders of expired CNICs.
The chairman also highlighted serious security risks posed by various government departments and service providers storing citizens’ biometric data separately. He urged the use of NADRA’s secure and verified database, particularly its facial recognition system, to enhance identity verification—especially for individuals facing issues with fingerprint authentication.
Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed that all related agencies immediately cease the local storage of citizens’ biometric data to prevent misuse or theft. He ordered the full implementation of facial recognition technology across the country by December 31, 2025, under the supervision of the Interior Ministry.
NADRA services are being extended to 44 underserved tehsils and union councils nationwide. By June 30, 2025, all 31 union councils in Islamabad will have access to NADRA facilities.
The Interior Minister also stressed the importance of improving services for overseas Pakistanis and instructed a detailed assessment, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, to identify high-demand regions for NADRA’s international operations. Approvals have been granted for new regional offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
During the meeting, the NADRA chairman briefed the minister on the organization’s progress in service delivery, digital transformation, and institutional reforms. Minister Naqvi praised NADRA’s achievements, including the establishment of 87 new registration centers and 417 additional service counters in the past year.
It was also revealed that amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules 2002 have been approved by the federal government. These include updates to child and family registration certificates to enhance legal clarity and prevent fraud. To support implementation, NADRA has launched a new verification system incorporating facial recognition and iris scanning as additional biometric tools.
NADRA is actively collaborating with PTA, FIA, SBP, SECP, and other key agencies to tackle identity fraud, SIM misuse, and biometric inconsistencies.
The PAK ID mobile app remains a central focus of NADRA’s digital strategy. It has been downloaded over 7 million times and now offers services such as digital ID issuance, “Proof of Life” for pensioners, and federal arms license renewal.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and senior NADRA officials also attended the meeting.