SIMs verification through BVS: government fails to prepare SOPs
The government failed to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for persons whose thumb verification is not possible even though it included re-verification of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) through Biometric Verification System (BVS) in the National Action Plan (NAP), it is learnt.
The re-verification process of SIMs through BVS commenced from January 12, 2015, where 103 million un-verified SIMs were to be re-verified in two phases by April 14, 2015. After the given deadline all un-verified SIMs would be blocked. The government has also warned cellular companies that they would be prosecuted in the military courts under the terrorism law if their un-verified SIM is unearthed in any terrorist activity after the deadline.
Official sources revealed to Business Recorder that besides capacity issues, Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are facing some procedural issues in re-verification of SIMs through BVS. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued SOPs for special persons (disabled from both hands ie whose both hands are cut/missing) are facing difficulties in getting SIMs after launch of BVS across Pakistan. However no directives have been issued to CMOs in respect to aged people, labour and carpenters, whose thumb verification is not possible as their thumb impression is altered with the passage of time or circumstances. Industry sources revealed that a number of cases have been reported where it was not possible to verify thumb impression due to age factor, or changes due to the nature of their job. They have no other option but to send them back to NADRA for verification or block their SIMs as directed by the concerned authorities, sources added.
However, for special persons/disabled persons the PTA has laid down a special process wherein only broader guidelines have been listed. NADRA issues special identity cards (CNIC) to these persons and their thumb/finger impression are also not recorded at NADRA. Hence SIMs cannot be issues to them through BVS. According to the SOPs issued by PTA, CMOs are required to develop their own procedure based upon the same.
The procedure shall be applicable only on those special persons who are not able to provide finger and thumb impression due to disability ie both hands are cut/missing and possess a valid CNIC for special persons issued by NADRA. Following are the key steps and pre-requisites of the process: (a) SIMs shall be sold and activated only by customer service centers, (b) original CNIC for special persons shall be checked for validity and scanned for record/future reference, (c) ECSAF shall be filled containing details like CNIC name father’s name, address and date of sale/activation, (d) a mechanism shall and laid down by CMOs on their own to verify the CNIC/credentials from NADRA subsequent to activation, (e) in case the credentials are not verified, SIM shall be blocked forthwith and (f) CMOs shall maintain a database of SIMs issued through this procedure which would be provided to PTA as and when required.
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