Important Update: Mobile Wallets Without Biometric Verification to Be Blocked From Today
Millions of Pakistanis could lose access to their mobile wallets and digital bank accounts starting October 25, 2025, as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) begins enforcing strict new biometric verification requirements across all financial institutions.
The central bank’s move, announced earlier this year, makes biometric verification mandatory for all mobile wallet users and digital account holders. This means that individuals who have not yet completed the process may face account suspensions, blocked transactions, or full service deactivation beginning tomorrow.
SBP’s New Rule for Digital Verification
The State Bank of Pakistan’s biometric verification deadline was originally set under BPRD Circular No. 1 of 2025, released in July. The circular requires all banks, microfinance institutions, digital banks, and electronic money institutions (EMIs) to verify their customers biometrically as part of a broader initiative to ensure financial transparency and security.
Under this new framework, biometric verification is now the primary method of customer identification. The SBP’s Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework has replaced traditional verification practices and aims to create a standardized, fraud-free banking ecosystem.
Officials confirm that this move is part of Pakistan’s national efforts to curb money laundering, identity theft, and terrorism financing, while enhancing compliance with global financial regulations.
Deadline Arrives — Services to Be Blocked From October 25
After multiple reminders and a three-month grace period, the SBP biometric verification deadline ends today. Starting October 25, 2025, users who have not completed biometric verification for their mobile wallets or digital bank accounts will face restrictions.
According to the central bank, this includes:
- Blocking of transactions — users will not be able to send or receive funds.
- Debit or ATM card deactivation for linked accounts.
- Temporary account suspension or full wallet blocking.
- Inability to access online banking services.
This measure will impact both local and foreign currency accounts, including Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA), which are popular among overseas Pakistanis.
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Mobile Wallets Blocked 2025 — Easypaisa, JazzCash, Nayapay, Sadapay Users Affected
The crackdown will directly affect users of Pakistan’s leading mobile wallet platforms, including Easypaisa, JazzCash, Nayapay, Sadapay, UPaisa, and UBL Omni.
All these service providers have been instructed by the SBP to ensure that every customer’s identity is verified biometrically through NADRA before the deadline.
Easypaisa and JazzCash, which together serve more than 50 million active users, have been sending repeated notifications urging customers to complete biometric verification immediately to avoid disruptions.
Users can verify their accounts by visiting:
- Any franchise or branch office of their mobile wallet service.
- Bank branches linked with digital or microfinance accounts.
- NADRA e-Sahulat centers offering digital verification services.
Failure to complete this process today will result in automatic wallet blocking from tomorrow.
SBP’s Consolidated Onboarding Framework
The SBP’s “Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework” is a comprehensive policy that applies to all financial institutions in Pakistan — from large commercial banks to fintech startups.
Under this framework:
- Biometric verification is mandatory for all individuals and business entities.
- The requirement applies equally to in-branch and remote (digital) account openings.
- Financial institutions must maintain updated biometric data for both new and existing customers.
- The rule covers PKR and foreign currency accounts, as well as mobile money wallets.
The framework aims to create a unified customer verification system, ensuring that no unverified or anonymous accounts exist within Pakistan’s financial system.
Why Biometric Verification Is Now Compulsory
The SBP’s move comes amid increasing global pressure to strengthen Pakistan’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) mechanisms.
According to senior SBP officials, biometric verification ensures that:
- Each customer’s identity is authenticated through NADRA’s secure database.
- Fraudulent account openings and fake identity-based transactions are prevented.
- The risk of financial crimes and digital scams is minimized.
- Confidence in Pakistan’s digital banking and fintech sectors is enhanced internationally.
The digital bank accounts biometric verification drive also aims to modernize the customer onboarding experience while maintaining global compliance standards.
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How Many Accounts Could Be Impacted
Industry experts estimate that more than 70 million accounts across Pakistan’s financial ecosystem could face temporary or permanent blocking if customers fail to verify in time.
This includes:
- Easypaisa and JazzCash wallets used by individuals for daily transactions.
- Microfinance bank accounts often used by small business owners.
- Digital-only bank accounts like Sadapay and Nayapay.
- Roshan Digital Accounts held by overseas Pakistanis.
Banks have already issued multiple alerts via SMS, email, and in-app notifications, reminding users to complete verification before the cut-off date.
No Extension Announced by SBP
Despite requests from several banks and fintech operators, the State Bank of Pakistan has not extended the deadline.
In a recent statement, an SBP spokesperson clarified that no further relaxation would be given, as financial institutions were already provided ample time to implement the new system.
The three-month implementation window, starting from July 2025, was designed to give service providers time to upgrade their systems, integrate NADRA verification APIs, and educate customers about the process.
Now, as enforcement begins, non-compliant accounts will be systematically restricted by all SBP-regulated institutions.
Digital Account Suspension Pakistan — What You Should Do
If you are a mobile wallet or digital bank user, you can still prevent suspension by completing biometric verification today. Here’s how:
- Visit your bank branch or service outlet before the deadline ends.
- Bring your original CNIC for biometric scanning.
- Use the in-app verification feature, if available on your digital wallet.
- Check for a confirmation message or email from your bank after successful verification.
- Avoid last-minute delays — as system updates may take several hours to process.
Once verified, your account will remain active and functional without interruption.
Expert Views on the Policy
Financial analysts and cybersecurity experts believe the SBP’s biometric verification initiative will strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s digital finance ecosystem.
While it may cause temporary inconvenience for users, the long-term benefits include:
- Enhanced customer protection against fraud.
- Improved trust and transparency in digital payments.
- Compliance with FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards.
- A safer and more credible environment for foreign investment in fintech.
According to experts, Pakistan’s digital economy is expected to surpass $10 billion by 2027, and stricter regulatory measures like biometric verification are essential to ensure sustainable growth.
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Impact on Digital Banking and Fintech Sector
The Pakistan mobile wallet update signifies a new phase of maturity for the country’s fintech landscape. Platforms like Easypaisa, JazzCash, Sadapay, and Nayapay are working closely with SBP to streamline onboarding, verification, and transaction monitoring processes.
Industry insiders note that fintech companies have already started integrating AI-based KYC tools and real-time identity verification systems to meet regulatory standards.
Although the immediate aftermath may see a temporary slowdown in transactions, the sector is expected to rebound stronger, with increased consumer confidence and enhanced operational transparency.
Final Word
The State Bank of Pakistan’s biometric verification deadline marks a defining moment for Pakistan’s digital economy. Starting October 25, 2025, all mobile wallets without biometric verification will be blocked, and unverified digital bank accounts will face suspension.
The message is clear: biometric verification is no longer optional — it is essential.
As Pakistan pushes toward a secure, transparent, and globally recognized digital banking framework, completing verification today is the only way to ensure uninterrupted access to financial services.
For users of Easypaisa, JazzCash, Sadapay, Nayapay, and other digital platforms — this is the final call. Verify your accounts now to stay connected, secure, and compliant in Pakistan’s evolving financial landscape.
