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 proposal primarily targets senior citizens and manual labourers, whose fingerprints often fail during the biometric verification process required for obtaining a SIM card.
In a report submitted to the government and Parliament, PTA said it has made significant progress in developing a secure alternative verification mechanism. The proposed system would use NADRA’s Pak ID mobile application to authenticate users through facial recognition.
PTA has formally requested NADRA to enable both fingerprint and facial biometric verification through the Pak ID app and has recommended that the authority officially approve its use for SIM registration. Once approved, telecom operators will be able to offer the service at customer service centres and franchise outlets.
According to the report, 70,871 SIM cards have been issued through an alternative verification process since January 2025 to customers whose fingerprints could not be verified. These applicants were authenticated using NADRA-issued verification letters or medical certificates, providing relief to thousands of users unable to complete the standard biometric process.
PTA also revealed that facial verification trials conducted jointly with NADRA and mobile network operators have been completed successfully. A proof of concept for SIM registration through the Pak ID app has also been finalised, while telecom companies have completed the necessary technical preparations to implement the new system.
The authority added that discussions are also underway to allow SIM issuance through mobile operators’ own applications in the future. However, all fingerprint and facial authentication will continue to be verified through NADRA’s biometric system.
PTA said the proposed system aims to make SIM registration more convenient and accessible while maintaining the security and integrity of the biometric verification process.
Also read: How to use Pak SIM Pro to check SIM details in Pakistan
