Islamabad, 30 May 2025: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting during his visit to the NADRA headquarters, where a wide range of key policy decisions and reforms were introduced, aimed at strengthening national identity security, modernising digital services, and enhancing public service access across Pakistan.
Landmark Project Launched: I-8 Mega Centre to Open in 2026
During the meeting, Naqvi echoed metaphorically as Naqvi laid the foundation stone for a 10-storey NADRA Mega Center in Sector I-8 of Islamabad, with construction expected to be completed by June 2026.
The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to modernize public service delivery through centralized and digitized infrastructure.
Expired CNICs: SIMs to Be Blocked Nationwide
One of the most significant decisions made during the meeting was to immediately block all mobile SIMs issued on expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
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It was agreed that in the first phase, the move will target CNICs issued in 2017 or earlier, with subsequent phases extending the policy to deactivated cards post-2017.
The measure, developed in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), is designed to prevent misuse of identification credentials and unauthorized telecom access. The NADRA Chairman, Lt. Gen.
Muhammad Munir Afsar, stated that SIMs registered to deceased individuals or holders of expired CNICs are already being blocked in coordination with telecom authorities.
Unified Biometric Protection and Facial Recognition Rollout
Expressing concern over citizens’ biometric data being stored by multiple service providers, the NADRA Chairman stressed that this dispersed storage increases risks of data misuse and breaches.
He recommended that all verification processes shift to NADRA’s secure, centralized database, especially using facial recognition, which is also more accessible for individuals who face issues with fingerprint verification.
Naqvi confirmed that the Ministry of Interior would instruct all government bodies to halt separate storage of biometric data.
He further directed that the nationwide rollout of facial recognition technology be completed by December 31, 2025, a timeline that will be monitored by the Interior Ministry.
Expanding NADRA’s National and Overseas Reach
Interior Minister Naqvi also emphasized expanding NADRA services to underserved regions. He noted that NADRA operations have been extended to 44 tehsils and various union councils where such services were previously unavailable. By June 30, 2025, all 31 union councils in Islamabad are expected to have full access to NADRA facilities.
To better serve overseas Pakistanis, Naqvi instructed a comprehensive review in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess where global demand for NADRA services is highest.
The federal government has also approved new regional offices in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar to bolster NADRA’s footprint.
NADRA’s Achievements, Reforms, and Digital Push
During the session, NADRA’s Chairman gave an extensive briefing on progress made over the past year, which included the establishment of 87 new registration centers and 417 additional counters across Pakistan. Minister Naqvi appreciated these milestones as part of the organization’s push toward efficient and inclusive service.
Significant amendments to the National Identity Card Rules 2002 were also announced, including updated family and child registration certificates to improve legal clarity and prevent identity fraud. A new identity verification system has been introduced that incorporates facial recognition and iris scanning.
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Collaboration is ongoing with multiple institutions including PTA, FIA, SBP, and SECP to tackle identity theft, SIM fraud, and data inconsistencies.
Digital Innovations Through PAK ID App
One of the digital highlights presented was the enhancement of the PAK ID mobile application, which has already seen over 7 million downloads. New features added include the issuance of digital ID cards, “proof of life” service for pensioners, and renewal of federal arms licenses.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with other senior officials, was present during the briefing, marking what was described as a decisive step in digitising Pakistan’s identity infrastructure and safeguarding citizens’ personal data.
