WEBDESK: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has started working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block SIMs on expired CNICs across Pakistan. The operation officially began on May 30, 2025.
NADRA to block SIMs on expired CNICs
According to the new policy, mobile SIM cards registered under CNICs (Computerised National Identity Cards) that expired in 2017 or earlier will be the first to get blocked. This is part of a phased program aimed at cleaning up the country’s digital records and stopping misuse of unverified SIMs.
The decision to block SIMs on expired CNICs was made to tackle illegal activities such as financial fraud and terrorism, which often involve the use of SIM cards registered to fake or expired IDs. Only valid and active CNICs will now be allowed to hold SIM registrations.
In upcoming phases, authorities plan to block SIMs on expired CNICs canceled after 2017, as well as those issued under the names of deceased individuals. NADRA will use its official records to identify these SIMs and deactivate them.
Before a SIM is blocked, mobile users will receive awareness messages from their service providers. These messages will remind them to renew their CNICs on time if they wish to keep their mobile connections active. This step is meant to make the process smooth for the public and prevent sudden disconnections.
The Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has also announced plans to introduce facial recognition technology throughout the country by December 31, 2025. In addition, NADRA services will be expanded to 44 new tehsils and all union councils of Islamabad by June 30, 2025. A new 10-storey NADRA Mega Centre is also planned for Islamabad’s I-8 sector.
This ongoing campaign to block SIMs on expired CNICs is one of several initiatives aimed at tightening security, improving citizen data management, and reducing crime. Citizens are advised to check their CNIC expiry dates and renew them to avoid SIM deactivation.
NADRA has also introduced a special CNIC that comes with lifetime validity for citizens who choose to pledge their organs for donation. This initiative aims to promote organ donation in the country by offering an incentive of a permanent CNIC to those who voluntarily commit to this noble cause.
