The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has proposed a new verification system to make SIM issuance easier for users who face problems with biometric fingerprint verification.
The move is mainly aimed at senior citizens and laborers, who often face difficulties when their fingerprints fail during the SIM registration process.
PTA has submitted a written report to the government and Parliament, outlining progress on a secure alternative verification system.
According to the report, the authority has made significant progress in finding a permanent alternative to fingerprint verification for SIM issuance.
The proposed system will use facial verification through NADRA’s Pak ID app. PTA says the app can provide a secure and reliable method for customer authentication.
PTA has formally requested NADRA to allow both fingerprint and facial biometric verification through the Pak ID app.
The authority has recommended that NADRA be directed to formally approve the use of the app for SIM verification.
Once approval is granted, telecom companies will be able to use the system for SIM issuance at customer service centers and franchises.
Over 70,000 SIMs Issued Through Alternative Process
The report also revealed that 70,871 SIMs have been issued through an alternative verification mechanism from January 2025 to date.
These SIMs were issued to customers whose fingerprint verification had failed.
The users were verified through NADRA-issued letters or medical certificates. PTA said this process provided relief to thousands of people who could not complete biometric verification through the normal method.
Facial Verification Trials Completed
PTA said successful trials of facial verification for SIM issuance have already been completed in collaboration with NADRA and mobile network operators.
A proof of concept for facial verification through the NADRA Pak ID app has also been completed successfully.
According to PTA, mobile operators have completed the required technical preparations to issue SIMs through facial verification.
SIM Issuance Through Mobile Apps
PTA said discussions are also underway on allowing SIM issuance through mobile operators’ own mobile applications in the future.
However, all fingerprint and facial verification will continue to be carried out through NADRA’s authentication system.
The new system is expected to make the SIM issuance process more accessible while maintaining security checks through official biometric verification.
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