KARACHI – Millions of Pakistanis may lose access to their digital and mobile bank accounts starting today (October 25) if they fail to comply with the new biometric rules introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The updated regulations, issued under BPRD Circular No. 1 of 2025 in July, require all financial institutions to make biometric verification the primary method of customer identification. This includes banks, digital banks, microfinance institutions, development finance institutions, and electronic money institutions.
According to the SBP, these biometric rules are part of a wider initiative aimed at improving customer verification, combating money laundering, and strengthening anti-terror financing systems in Pakistan.
Under the new policy, customers were given until October 25, 2025, to complete their biometric verification. Failure to do so may result in immediate restrictions, such as being unable to send or receive funds through digital platforms. Previously, account holders had a 60-day period to verify their identity before a debit block was applied.
The SBP’s revised ‘Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework’ ensures that the same standards apply to all customers, whether they open accounts in person or online. The goal is to ensure consistent security and due diligence across all financial services.
Financial institutions were also granted a three-month grace period to implement these biometric rules, giving them time to upgrade systems and notify customers. Many banks have since launched awareness campaigns urging users to visit branches or use designated verification centers to complete the process.
Industry experts believe the move will strengthen Pakistan’s digital banking infrastructure and protect customers from fraud. However, they also warn that delays in completing verification could inconvenience millions of users who rely heavily on mobile wallets and digital transactions.
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The SBP has reiterated that these biometric rules are crucial for ensuring a safe, transparent, and accountable financial system in the country.
