Web desk: Millions of Pakistanis risk losing access to their mobile wallets and digital bank accounts from October 25, as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) starts enforcing strict new biometric verification rules across all financial institutions.
The central bank’s directive, announced earlier this year, makes biometric verification mandatory for all digital banking and mobile wallet users.
Those who fail to verify their identity will face blocked transactions, frozen accounts, or full service suspension starting tomorrow.
The deadline, set under SBP Circular No. 1 of 2025, applies to banks, microfinance institutions, and electronic money operators.
It replaces older verification procedures and introduces biometric checks as the primary method of customer identification. Digital wallets like Jazz Cash and Easy Paisa will be blocked under this enforcement.
The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a clarification regarding the two-hour cooling period for digital funds transfers.
#Pakistan: Clarification on 2 Hours Cooling Period in Digital Funds Transfer. #CAOTG #ChampAlertsOnTheGo pic.twitter.com/g3nZp99pjO
— Shaheryar Hassan (@shaheryarhassan) October 27, 2025
Easy Paisa, Jazz Cash Accounts to be ‘Blocked’
Officials say the move is aimed at tightening controls against money laundering, identity fraud, and terror financing, and to align Pakistan’s financial system with international standards.
After a three-month grace period, the final cut-off has now arrived.
From October 25, users who have not completed verification will be unable to send or receive money, use their debit cards, or access online banking.
The restriction covers both local and foreign currency accounts, including Roshan Digital Accounts used by overseas Pakistanis.
The enforcement will hit users of leading wallet services like Easypaisa, JazzCash, Nayapay, Sadapay, and UPaisa.
These companies have been alerting customers to complete biometric verification through NADRA, authorised branches, or e-Sahulat centres.
Easypaisa and JazzCash, which serve over 50 million users, have been sending repeated notifications urging immediate compliance. Accounts left unverified by midnight will be automatically blocked.
According to SBP officials, the verification process ensures every user’s identity is authenticated through NADRA’s secure database, helping prevent fake accounts and fraud.
It’s also a step toward building trust in Pakistan’s digital banking and fintech sector, as the country faces growing pressure to improve its anti-money laundering record.
