The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a major regulatory change that will impact millions of users of mobile financial services in Pakistan. Starting July 1, 2025, all Easypaisa and JazzCash users will be required to complete biometric verification when making cash transactions through retail agents. This move is aimed at enhancing the security and transparency of the country’s rapidly growing digital financial ecosystem.
The Rise of Digital Wallets in Pakistan
Pakistan has witnessed a remarkable shift toward digital transactions in recent years. With services like Easypaisa and JazzCash becoming household names, more people are relying on mobile wallets for their daily financial needs. These services have made it easier for users to pay utility bills, send and receive money, recharge mobile phones, and make purchases. However, with growing adoption has also come an increase in fraud and misuse, prompting the SBP to tighten regulations for greater consumer protection.
What Is Changing?
From July 1 onwards, users will need to verify their identity via biometric authentication (such as a thumbprint) at authorized agent locations whenever they make a cash deposit or withdrawal. Only biometric-enabled retailers will be authorized to carry out such transactions.
Non-biometric transactions through retail agents will no longer be permitted. However, this rule does not apply to online transactions. Users can continue using the Easypaisa and JazzCash mobile apps as usual for activities such as money transfers, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and shopping without any interruption.
No Account Closures or Blockages
Contrary to some misleading claims circulating on social media, this new requirement will not result in account closures or frozen funds. Users do not need to worry about losing access to their accounts. The SBP has clarified that the purpose of this change is to make transactions safer and that all funds and accounts will remain intact.
Why Is This Necessary?
The SBP introduced this regulation to strengthen the security of financial transactions and ensure the safety of users’ funds. With the increasing number of cyber frauds and impersonation cases, biometric verification will add a strong layer of identity protection. It will help eliminate unauthorized transactions and reduce financial crimes.
This regulation is also aligned with global best practices for digital payments and demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to building a secure digital economy. Biometric verification ensures that every deposit or withdrawal is linked to the rightful account holder, making financial processes more accountable and reliable.
What Should Users Do Now?
If you’re someone who visits a local Easypaisa or JazzCash retailer for cash transactions, you will need to visit a biometric-enabled agent. At the time of deposit or withdrawal, you’ll be asked to provide your CNIC and verify your identity through a fingerprint scan. Once verified, you can continue your transaction as normal.
There is no action needed for users who primarily use mobile apps for transactions, as these remain unaffected by the new rule.
A Positive Step for the Future
This initiative by the State Bank of Pakistan is being seen as a strong step toward ensuring safer and more transparent digital transactions in the country. With over 50 million mobile wallet users, Pakistan is embracing digital finance at an unprecedented scale, and the government is working to ensure this growth is sustainable and secure.
Although biometric verification might be a new step for some users, it offers long-term benefits by protecting accounts from misuse and fraud. As digital services expand further into rural and remote areas, such measures will help foster trust and safeguard users.
The new regulation may bring a small change in how cash transactions are made, but it represents a major leap in securing Pakistan’s financial future.
