ISLAMABAD, APR 17 (DNA): NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali Jaffery Friday issued strict warning to the public, urging immediate renewal of expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), particularly among housewives in rural areas and beneficiaries of BISP and other health programmes, cautioning that SIMs linked to expired CNICs may soon be
blocked.
While speaking to a local media channel, the spokesperson of NADRA stated that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) with collaboration of NADRA has initiated a nationwide process to block mobile SIMs registered against expired, canceled or invalid Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), as well as SIMs issued in the names of deceased individuals.
He said the move is aimed at strengthening digital security and ensuring clean, verified telecom records across Pakistan.
He further clarified that many SIMs are still active under CNICs that have expired or belong to deceased persons, including cases where family members have not updated or canceled records of their parents or relatives.
He warned that such numbers will also be brought under scrutiny and may be blocked as part of the ongoing verification drive.
The spokesperson urged special attention towards women, particularly housewives in rural areas, to remain aware and ensure timely renewal of their CNICs.
He also highlighted that beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and other health-related schemes must update their identity documents to avoid disruption in services linked to their CNICs.
He stressed that public awareness is crucial in this regard, adding that citizens should immediately verify their CNIC status and ensure all SIMs are properly registered to avoid inconvenience, as authorities continue strict enforcement of the verification system.
Spokesperson added in response to a query that millions of SIMs have already been blocked under the ongoing verification drive against expired, canceled, and invalid CNICs, adding, the authorities are actively cleansing the telecom database to ensure only verified and active identity records remain in use.
He further stated that the public is being continuously informed through official social media platforms, electronic media campaigns, and awareness drives to prevent inconvenience and ensure compliance with the regulations.
He emphasized that these communication efforts are part of a broader strategy to keep citizens updated about the verification process and required actions.
To another query, he said that citizens can easily renew their CNICs through more than 961 NADRA branches and e-Sahulat centres located near their homes, added, under the directives of the Interior Ministry, aggressive steps are being taken to facilitate the public and strengthen the national identity verification system.
