From the first day of 2026, people who wish to buy or sell foreign currency will face a stricter way of proving their identity. The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a fresh order that requires every exchange company to use facial recognition. This step is meant to bring more safety and trust to the currency market as the new year begins.
Why the New Technology Is Being Introduced
Today, exchange companies use only thumb and fingerprint checks through NADRA to confirm who a person is. But the new rule brings in a second method. This “dual-modality” system asks for both a fingerprint scan and a facial scan. With two checks instead of one, the process becomes stronger and helps reduce possible risks.
How NADRA and the Ministry Are Involved
The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control asked NADRA to include facial recognition in its current services. NADRA is now working to merge this new feature into its verification tools. Because of this directive, the central bank is adopting the same plan across the financial sector so that identification stays uniform, clear, and reliable for everyone.
The Aim Behind the Stricter Rules
The central bank says its main purpose is to increase safety. With facial recognition added to the process, it hopes to stop identity fraud more effectively. These steps are part of Chapter 7 of the Regulatory Framework for Exchange Companies. This chapter already makes biometric checks necessary, and the new face scan adds another shield against wrongdoing.
Exchange Companies Preparing for the Deadline
The exchange companies have only a short time to get ready. The central bank has urged them to take all needed steps before the first day of 2026. Many companies already use real-time fingerprint verification through NADRA and keep six months of CCTV footage. Adding facial recognition will simply strengthen their ongoing efforts and help them meet the new national standards.
