The new system requires fingerprint biometrics of the customer buying SIM cards for authentication against Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) data held with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Following the verification, the SIM card will be activated. The entire process is done online and take about 15 seconds to complete.
Zong CPO Sikander Naqi was quoted by dailytimes.com.pk as saying, "Zong is fully committed for the enhancement and improvement of security protocols in the telecommunication industry.
"Therefore, we have exhibited our corporate responsibility by establishing the Biometric Verification System at our customer care centres.
"This technology will be gradually inducted across all franchises and customer care centres of Zong around the country," Naqi added.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the government of Pakistan have been seeking to establish technological measures to ensure the protection of customer information and cease selling of illegal SIMS in the country.
In response, Zong has taken this effort under the guidelines issued by PTA.
