Security issues: Nisar orders biometric verification for SIMs
NADRA assures of capability to implement the system.
NADRA assures of capability to implement the system. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The government has decided to introduce a ‘tough procedure’ to acquire new mobile SIM cards – a move which the interior minister believes will help rid of security threats.
Interior Minister Chauhdry Nisar Ali Khan, while chairing a meeting on Thursday, expressed serious concerns over the process of acquiring new mobile SIMs.
“Use of unverified and unregistered SIMs is a threat of Pakistan’s security,” Nisar said in a statement.
“No compromise will be made on this issue with cellular companies as this matter is related to national security,” he added.
The interior minister has directed establishment of fast track system to resolve this issue permanently.
“This effort will help concerned authorities to track the activities of criminals and terrorists, and take preemptive measures to stop them,” he added.
Nisar said the current government had a good track record of being business friendly and will do its utmost to help the telecommunication sector prosper in Pakistan, but added that no concession on national security would be made.
National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) Chairman Tariq Malik, informed that the authority had the capacity to verify SIMs by using biometric system.
“This will integrate the process of SIM verification with the updated Nadra database that contains biometric information of all citizens,” Malik told officials at the meeting.
Representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Crisis Management Cell, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also briefed the interior minister on the issue.
Immigration issues
The minister also discussed problems related to immigration and directed authorities to strictly monitor all entry and exit points of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2013.
The government has decided to introduce a ‘tough procedure’ to acquire new mobile SIM cards – a move which the interior minister believes will help rid of security threats.
Interior Minister Chauhdry Nisar Ali Khan, while chairing a meeting on Thursday, expressed serious concerns over the process of acquiring new mobile SIMs.
“Use of unverified and unregistered SIMs is a threat of Pakistan’s security,” Nisar said in a statement.
“No compromise will be made on this issue with cellular companies as this matter is related to national security,” he added.
The interior minister has directed establishment of fast track system to resolve this issue permanently.
“This effort will help concerned authorities to track the activities of criminals and terrorists, and take preemptive measures to stop them,” he added.
Nisar said the current government had a good track record of being business friendly and will do its utmost to help the telecommunication sector prosper in Pakistan, but added that no concession on national security would be made.
National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) Chairman Tariq Malik, informed that the authority had the capacity to verify SIMs by using biometric system.
“This will integrate the process of SIM verification with the updated Nadra database that contains biometric information of all citizens,” Malik told officials at the meeting.
Representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Crisis Management Cell, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also briefed the interior minister on the issue.
Immigration issues
The minister also discussed problems related to immigration and directed authorities to strictly monitor all entry and exit points of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2013.