The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that starting October 25, 2025, all digital bank accounts and mobile wallets without biometric verification will be blocked. This move is part of SBP’s continuous effort to strengthen financial security and prevent money laundering in the country.
According to the official notification under BPRD Circular No.1 of 2025, every bank, digital bank, microfinance bank, development finance institution (DFI), and electronic money institution (EMI) is required to verify customer identity through biometric authentication.
Millions of Accounts at Risk
Experts estimate that millions of Pakistanis could temporarily lose access to their accounts if they haven’t completed biometric verification. These include:
- Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA)
- Microfinance accounts
- Easypaisa, JazzCash, NayaPay, Sadapay, and other digital wallets
- Foreign currency accounts
Failure to complete biometric verification could lead to immediate service disruption, including debit blocks and restrictions on sending or receiving funds.
Why Biometric Verification Is Now Mandatory
The SBP’s new Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework ensures that customer verification across all platforms is unified and secure. This means that whether a customer opens an account in-branch or through a mobile app, the same verification rules apply.
According to SBP, this step aims to:
- Combat fraud and financial crimes
- Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures
- Improve transparency and trust in Pakistan’s financial system
Timeline and Compliance
Financial institutions were given three months to ensure compliance with the SBP directive issued in July 2025. Despite appeals for an extension, the central bank has not granted any additional time.
This means October 25, 2025, is the final deadline for all users who have not yet completed their biometric verification.
Account holders are advised to visit their respective bank branches or digital wallet service centers to complete the process immediately. Most providers also allow users to verify through NADRA e-Sahulat or in-app verification options.
How to Verify Your Account
Here’s how you can complete biometric verification for different services:
- Bank Accounts: Visit your bank branch with your original CNIC for thumb verification.
- JazzCash / Easypaisa: Go to the nearest retailer or franchise for biometric update.
- Roshan Digital Accounts: Overseas Pakistanis can complete biometric through partner exchange companies or designated verification apps.
- Digital Banks (Sadapay, NayaPay, etc.): Use their in-app verification feature using CNIC scan and face recognition.
Public Reaction
The move has sparked mixed reactions among users. While some appreciate SBP’s step for better security, others worry about temporary disruptions to financial services, especially in rural areas where biometric devices may not be easily available.
Financial experts, however, believe this decision will modernize Pakistan’s banking system and build international confidence in its digital economy.
Conclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan’s decision marks a major milestone in the country’s journey toward digital transformation. Although the new biometric rules may cause temporary inconvenience, they promise greater protection and credibility in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
Users are strongly urged to complete their biometric verification today to avoid any interruption in financial transactions.
