Issuance NADRA ready for biometric verification

KARACHI: NADRA has successfully prepared a robust and authentic Biometric Verification System for Telecom operators, all preparations for Biometric Verification Systems have been carried out and NADRA is ready for launch from 28th February, 2013. NADRA spokesperson said this in a statement issued here today.

She added that earlier, all telecom operators have agreed with Prime Minister of Pakistan to launch Biometric Verification for issuance of SIM from 28th Feb, 2013. 

The new verification system will require each citizen to approach retailer, franchisee or Customer Service Centers of Cellular Operators personally and provide his/her fingerprints for authentication against CNIC data held with NADRA.

On successful transaction, SIM will be activated. All this operation will be performed online and will take 15 seconds end to end. 

Moreover, security related segments believe that such measures will help Government of Pakistan to curb use of illegally issued SIMs for terrorism, extortions and street crimes. Pakistan has significantly high cellular density in the country.

Although, it has changed the dynamics of communication means, yet their misuse has created security risk. Prior to Biometric Verification Services, methods adopted to regulate SIM issuance were prone to frauds.

Now, with fingerprint matching facility, it is expected that same will bring authenticity and will reduce the risk of SIM issuance against fake identity to almost zero. 

In this regard, NADRA has demonstrated its services and applications to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Cellular Mobile Operators including representatives of Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, Warid and Zong.

Proof of concept has been carried out with some telecom operators. A draft contract has already been forwarded containing minute details of operations.

NADRA has proposed flexible architecture to telecom industry with its recommendations on basis of security and performance.

NADRA has requested Telecom operators to finalize contract and deployment plans so that target date of 28th February, 2013 is achieved amicably.