PTA Proposes Facial Verification for SIM Registration in Pakistan
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed introducing facial verification as an alternative method for SIM registration to assist users who face difficulties with fingerprint-based biometric verification.
The proposed initiative is primarily intended to support senior citizens, laborers, and others whose fingerprints cannot be verified during the SIM issuance process.
Facial Verification Through NADRA Pak ID App
According to a report submitted by the PTA to the government and Parliament, the authority has made significant progress in developing a secure alternative to fingerprint verification.
Under the proposal, customers would be able to verify their identity through facial recognition using NADRA’s Pak ID app. The PTA believes this method can provide a secure and reliable authentication process for SIM registration.
The authority has requested NADRA to approve the use of both fingerprint and facial biometric verification through the Pak ID app.
Once approved, telecom operators will be able to offer facial verification services at their customer service centers and franchise outlets.
Thousands of SIMs Already Issued Through Alternative Verification
The PTA report states that 70,871 SIMs have been issued through an alternative verification process between January 2025 and the present.
These SIMs were provided to customers whose fingerprints could not be verified. In such cases, verification was completed using NADRA-issued letters or valid medical certificates, helping thousands of users complete the registration process.
Facial Verification Trials Successfully Completed
The PTA also confirmed that facial verification trials have been successfully conducted in collaboration with NADRA and mobile network operators.
A proof-of-concept for SIM registration using the Pak ID app has also been completed successfully, while telecom companies have finalized the required technical preparations for the proposed system.
Future Plans for Mobile App-Based SIM Registration
The PTA said discussions are also underway regarding the possibility of allowing customers to apply for SIMs through mobile network operators’ official mobile applications in the future.
However, the authority clarified that all identity verification, including fingerprint and facial authentication, will continue to be carried out through NADRA’s official verification system to ensure security and compliance.
If approved, the new facial verification system is expected to make SIM registration more convenient while maintaining secure identity verification standards.
