NADRA and PTA Differ Over Facial Verification for SIM Registration
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have offered different views on how facial-recognition technology should be used for SIM verification in Pakistan.
The issue follows earlier discussions about using NADRA’s PakID app to facilitate facial verification for SIM issuance.
According to a written response submitted by PTA to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Division, NADRA had previously worked with the telecom sector on the proposal, and cellular operators had completed a proof of concept.
However, NADRA has clarified that it has not withdrawn support for facial verification. Instead, it says the disagreement concerns the responsibilities of NADRA, PTA and telecom operators.
NADRA Clarifies Its Position
NADRA said it proposed the PakID app in 2025 as one possible way for citizens to obtain a facial-verification result through its Multi-Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
The authority clarified that PakID was not intended to become the platform through which telecom companies would directly issue SIMs or complete customer onboarding.
NADRA said telecom operators could also conduct facial or iris verification at their own outlets if they installed the required equipment.
According to the authority, the main issue is determining where biometric data is captured, who operates the equipment and which organization is responsible for the verification process.
Under the current regulatory framework, PTA determines the verification requirements for SIM issuance, while NADRA provides identity-verification services and establishes technical and security requirements.
How the Proposed System Could Work
Under NADRA’s proposed model, a customer’s biometric information would be captured using equipment operated by the telecom company.
The information would then be securely transmitted to the operator’s data center before being sent to NADRA for verification.
NADRA emphasized that telecom companies would not be permitted to retain customers’ biometric information or establish their own biometric databases.
The authority also said biometric devices should not retain facial data or biometric templates after the verification process.
Security Measures Under Consideration
NADRA said the proposed system would need safeguards against technologies and techniques that could be used to bypass facial verification.
These include measures addressing deepfakes, biometric substitution and image manipulation.
The authority also argued that allowing telecom operators to manage their own verification equipment could make nationwide implementation easier.
Under this approach, facial verification could potentially be integrated into telecom franchises, service centers and mobile applications rather than requiring every transaction to depend on the PakID app.
PTA Reviews Implementation Options
PTA said it is examining the technical and regulatory aspects of facial-recognition-based SIM verification in consultation with the telecom industry.
The review follows NADRA’s Requisite Access to National Data Warehouse Regulations, notified on July 28, 2026.
PTA said other implementation options are also being considered. One cellular operator is already evaluating facial verification through its own mobile application, with technical feasibility currently under review.
A proof of concept could be conducted after the technical assessment is completed.
PTA Clarifies Role in Mobile Phone Taxes
PTA also clarified its role regarding taxes and duties on mobile phones.
The authority said its responsibility is limited to the technical evaluation of mobile devices, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is responsible for imposing, assessing and collecting applicable taxes and duties.
PTA said it supports efforts to make smartphones more affordable while maintaining measures that encourage local manufacturing, discourage illegal imports and address practices such as IMEI tampering.
For now, NADRA and PTA are still working through the technical and regulatory details of facial verification for SIM registration. Further clarification of responsibilities and implementation requirements will be needed before a nationwide system is finalized.
