The new system will combat fake SIM issuance, ID fraud, protect privacy, and strengthen Pakistan’s national security,” said Chairman NADRA.
The telecom industry has begun issuing SIM cards using a new improved version of the Biometric Verification System (BVS) known as Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
This was stated during a ceremony held at PTA Headquarters to sign a contract between NADRA and Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) following a smooth transition to the new BVS.
The BVS devices on the market have been upgraded to meet the requirements of the new system by NADRA and CMOs. While issuing new or duplicate SIM cards, the new system requires impressions of multiple fingers for authentication and applicant antecedents.
Furthermore, control over the selection of fingers for verification purposes has been transferred from the seller representative to the system, which randomly requests the impressions of two different fingers. The new system will make the illegal use of forged fingerprints impossible.
Chairman PTA, Maj. General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R), Chairman NADRA, Mr. Muhammad Tariq Malik, Member (Compliance and Enforcement) PTA, Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Additional Director General FIA, and representatives from CMOs were present at the signing ceremony. While lauding the unwavering efforts of CMOs and NADRA in upgrading MBVS, Chairman PTA stated that the new system will be a catalyst in controlling the sales of SIMs issued illegally.
Chairman NADRA stated at the event that MBVS has enormous potential to keep fraudsters and scammers at bay. He stated that MBVS is a smart solution that employs an indigenous smart algorithm in which the system proposes finger positions rather than predetermined finger positions.
“The MBVS will not only eliminate silicon-based fingerprints used for issuance of mobile phone SIMs but also hamper attempts to purchase illegal SIMs. The new system will combat fake SIM issuance, ID fraud, protect privacy, and strengthen Pakistan’s national security,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that BVS was implemented in 2014 in order to offer secure online biometric verification for each SIM-related transaction, as well as assigning a unique sale ID and logging each transaction so that the person responsible for misuse is identifiable.
The PTA, NADRA, and CMO teams have worked tirelessly to make MBVS a reality.
However, MBVS has been introduced to further improve the system and address issues with SIMs obtained through illegal means. ?The new verification system will aid in the elimination of the use of SIM cards obtained illegally in fraudulent financial transactions and other criminal activities.