Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched the country’s first dematerialized digital identity card, enabling citizens to store their identification credentials on smartphones through the Pak ID mobile app. The launch celebrates NADRA’s Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of the organization’s work in identity management and database integration. The development follows NADRA’s recent initiatives to modernize identity services, including the introduction of home delivery services for physical ID cards.
The new digital ID feature allows Pakistani citizens to download and store a softcopy of their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) directly on their mobile devices. Users must download the Pak ID app and access the digital ID card through the app’s menu system. The advancement builds upon NADRA’s earlier deployment of the Pak ID platform, which initially focused on visa processing and identity services for international visitors.
A comprehensive digital verification system is scheduled for implementation under the World Bank-funded Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), with a pilot program set to commence on August 14, 2025. The system aims to enhance authentication processes for various public services, complementing NADRA’s existing efforts to maintain accurate identity records and strengthen the national identity infrastructure.
“The digital identity card will revolutionize how citizens access government services. With integration into the Pak ID app, users will be able to carry a digital version of their ID cards on their smartphones, offering a more convenient and secure option,” said Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged NADRA’s contributions to digital solutions and citizen empowerment, specifically noting the organization’s achievements in data integration and artificial intelligence applications. NADRA’s network extends throughout Pakistan, providing identity services to citizens in remote areas and overseas Pakistanis. The organization has consistently expanded its digital capabilities, including the enhancement of security features for various identity documents and certificates.
Sources: Pak Observer, Gulf News, Daily Ausaf
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