In a major push toward digitization and data security,

the Government of Pakistan has announced plans to roll out a unified facial recognition system by December 31, 2025. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Interior, aims to centralize biometric data under NADRA, eliminating the risks tied to scattered databases across different departments.

The move was confirmed during a high-level meeting held at NADRA headquarters

in Islamabad, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar voiced concerns over how various entities have been maintaining independent biometric databases, a practice that leaves citizens vulnerable to data breaches and identity theft.

A Shift to Smarter, Safer ID Verification

By switching to NADRA’s centralized system, the government intends to streamline biometric verification, especially for those who’ve faced issues with fingerprint scans. Facial recognition and iris scanning will become the new standards, providing better accuracy and broader access.

SIMs on Expired CNICs to Be Deactivated

As part of the crackdown on outdated records, the Ministry also ordered the blocking of all SIM cards issued on expired CNICs, starting with those from 2017 and earlier. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is coordinating with NADRA to implement this, along with removing SIMs linked to deceased individuals

or deactivated identity cards.

NADRA Expands Its Reach

To support these digital reforms, NADRA is expanding its physical presence across the country:

• A 10-storey Mega Center is under construction in Islamabad’s I-8 sector, expected to open by June 2026
• Services will be extended to 44 underserved tehsils and union councils, including all 31 in Islamabad by mid-2025

• Regional offices are being set up in Multan, Sukkur, and Gwadar

Updates to NIC Rules and PAK ID App

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the government is also modernizing its identity documentation processes:

• NIC Rules (2002) have been amended to reduce legal grey areas and prevent misuse

• New family and child registration certificates are being introduced for clearer record-keeping

• The PAK ID mobile app, with over 7 million downloads, now offers digital ID issuance, pension verification, and arms license renewals

A Step Toward Digital Trust

With growing threats to data security worldwide, Pakistan’s unified facial recognition

system is being positioned as a critical step toward building digital trust and protecting citizen data. The government has vowed to continue working with agencies like the FIA, SBP, SECP, and PTA to make biometric mismatches and identity fraud a thing of the past.