KARACHI, Feb 8: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has finalised the Biometric Verification System (BVS) for issuance of SIM cards in Pakistan which would be launched on February 28, 2013.

All telecom operators have agreed with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on the launch of BVS for issuance of SIMs from the said date, a statement issued by NADRA said.

The new verification system will require each citizen to approach a retailer/franchisee or customer service centres of cellular operators personally and provide his/her fingerprints for authentication against CNIC data held with NADRA. On successful transaction, the SIM will be activated. The entire operation will be performed online and will take 15 seconds end to end.

The statement said this measure will help the government to curb use of illegally issued SIMs for terrorism, extortions and street crimes.

“Prior to BVS, 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,” the statement read. “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,” it added.

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 further requested Telecom operators to finalise contract and deployment plans so that target date of February 28 is achieved amicably, the statement added.