NADRA To Block SIMs Registered On Expired CNICs

On Friday 30th of May 2025, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) made the decision to instantly block mobile SIMs that were issued using false or expired CNICs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi supervised over a high-level meeting at NADRA Headquarters where the decision was made. The ruling states that all SIMs issued on CNICs that have expired in 2017 or before shall be banned during the initial phase.

According to the ruling, SIMs issued on CNICs canceled after 2017 would be subject to the same rules in the upcoming phases.

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The meeting also decided that SIMs can only be issued and continued to be issued to CNICs that are currently valid and operational.

The move targets SIMs issued to deceased people or holders of expired identity cards, according to the NADRA chairman. Additionally, Naqvi directed the Interior Ministry to ensure that facial recognition technology is implemented countrywide by December 31st, 2025, and to send directions to relevant organizations to stop independently keeping biometric data.

Additionally, he said that NADRA services would now be available in “44” more tehsils and a few union councils where they were previously absent.

The minister further stated that all “31” Islamabad union councils will have access to NADRA services by June 30th.

Senior NADRA officials, including Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry, attended the meeting as well.

The foundation stone for a 10-story NADRA Mega Center in Islamabad’s “I-8 district” was also set by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the visit; the building is expected to be completed by June 2026.