Easypaisa has initiated fees for failed biometric verifications following new NADRA regulations aimed at increasing security in financial transactions. Users are charged for unsuccessful attempts while the Sindh government introduces mandatory biometric processes for vehicle registrations to enhance transparency and combat fraud. The policy details implementation phases starting mid-2024, signifying a wider commitment to digital public services.
Easypaisa, a digital financial service provider in Pakistan, has begun charging users for failed biometric verification attempts. This fee structure was introduced following the mandatory biometric verification regulations set by NADRA, the national database and registration authority, aimed at enhancing security and reducing fraud by linking financial transactions explicitly to verified biometric data.
Users who fail the biometric verification with NADRA are charged 99 rupees (approximately $0.36). The policy implementation has faced complaints, as frequent verification failures have led to unexpected fees. Such failures may be attributed to poor-quality data capture or technical issues within the Easypaisa app.
Easypaisa clarified that users are not charged for successful biometric verification conducted through the app. Despite these issues, the trend towards mandatory biometric verification is accelerating. In a related regulatory shift, the Sindh government recently mandated biometric verification for all vehicle registrations and transfers, aiming to enhance transparency and combat fraud.
The phased implementation begins with the registration of new vehicles starting July 1, 2024, followed by a requirement for vehicle buyers by November 1, 2024. In the final phase, both sellers and buyers will need to undergo biometric checks. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that this initiative is vital for the government’s broader push to digitalize public services.
Easypaisa’s introduction of fees for failed biometric verification marks a significant shift in how biometric processes are handled in Pakistan. Users face charges due to mandatory regulations by NADRA, promoting a linking of transactions to verified identities. Meanwhile, Sindh’s government extends these principles to vehicle registrations, further emphasizing transparency and fraud prevention in financial dealings.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
