Some social media users in Pakistan are sharing a graphic claiming that, per new directions from the central bank, Easypaisa accounts will be shut down if the users’ cell phone numbers are not linked to their identity card numbers.
Easypaisa, a popular online payment application, is widely used in Pakistan. These claims have caused panic among some users of the service.
The claim is false.
Claim
“Attention Easypaisa account holders,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter) on September 30, “As per State Bank instructions, if your Easypaisa account and mobile number are not registered under the same CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card), your account will be blocked on September 30, 2024. Share this post as much as possible.”
The post has racked over 12,000 views and 60 reports at the time of writing.
Identical claims were also shared here, here and here.
Fact
Easypaisa accounts that are not linked to the same CNIC as the user’s phone number will not be blocked. No such instructions have been issued by the central bank either.
Khurram Zia Khan, the group director of media relations at Nutshell Communications Private Limited, which handles public relations for Easypaisa, told Geo Fact Check over the phone that the online claims are “completely fake.”
Khan also shared an official statement from Easypaisa refuting the claims.
“We are aware of certain rumors circulating on social media and other platforms regarding Easypaisa account closures or service disruptions. We want to assure you that these claims are entirely false,” the statement read. Easypaisa shared this message on their official X and Facebook accounts on September 30.
The statement can be read here and here.
Separately, Noor Ahmad, the spokesperson for the State Bank of Pakistan, also confirmed to Geo Fact Check over the phone that no such policy directions about branchless banking have been issued by them.
The requirements to open a branchless banking account, as per transaction limits, are available on the State Bank website and can be read here on page 7.
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