Islamabad: (RightNow) NADRA has refused to issue SIMs through the Pak ID app. This decision emerged in documents from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Communication between NADRA and PTA continues on SIM verification, while cellular companies have completed facial recognition trials. NADRA has apologized for not providing facial verification facilities.

According to PTA, NADRA suggested cellular operators install specific hardware. PTA and the telecom industry are assessing the impact of NADRA’s proposals.

This issue is significant as access to the national data warehouse and alternative facial recognition technologies are being explored.

It is noteworthy that PTA’s legal jurisdiction is limited to the technical evaluation of mobile devices, while duties and taxes are collected by the FBR.